By Ebuka Obidinma
The Secretary, Ibadan Go Organic Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Dr Olufemi AyanfeOluwa says that the establishment of the first Abuja Organic Market will ensure healthy living among the people of the metropolis and its environs.
Ayanfeoluwa made the assertion on Tuesday during the launch of the organic market.
The market was launched following a one day awareness creation on the availability and consumption of organic produce with various target groups in mind, and organized by Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative in Nigeria in partnership with Ibadan Go Organic Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
Ayanfeoluwa, who trained some members of the Abuja Organic Marketers/Organic farmers during the programme, said the market is a way of making sure that consumers of organic produce have easy access to a place where they can purchase certified organic produce.
He said the training was on several organic farming systems like land preparation, organic pesticides and herbicides preparation and usage, organic livestock feeds, among others.
He warned on the Participatory Guarantee System certification processes, saying if one in the group of organic farmers in a cluster is disqualified during the certification processes, the whole members of the group are deemed disqualified.
“ This will help farmers keep to the standards of organic farming’’.
He, however, encouraged Nigerians to patronize organic produce, saying it is the best for their health.
Speaking during the launch, Director of Administration, FCTA Agriculture and Rural development Secretariat, Mrs Ann Ijeoma, said the market was introduced because it is very important for FCT and other neighbouring states to embark on organic commercialization for health benefits.
“Organic farming is a very good system of farming, and because of what is happening now, it becomes necessary to enlighten the people on the need for organic farming.
“For instance, when they said people are suffering from cancer, it is often because of what we eat.
“That is why we are pushing this idea of organic farming. Organic farming did not start today; in fact we have been trying to ensure that our farmers are enlightened on diverting from chemical fertiliser to the organic type’’.
She said the markets which are located at the Secretariat will be replicated in all the other Area Councils in the FCT.
She said that jingles will be developed and aired for proper sensitisation.
Also, the Head of Crop Production, Mr Matthew Chime said that a lot of unknown ailments are ravaging the citizens health and that if one wants to live long, there is no other way to go than to use organic produce,” he said.
