Written by Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by S David Prince
By S David Prince
The state coordinator of Edo-LPRES, Ms Betsy Ikpikhumi, explained that using plant waste for feed is a key way to help farmers make more money.
“These feed alternatives include grass, straw, and plant residue, which are affordable, accessible, and efficient for animal nutrition,” she said. She also added, “With these practices, farmers can lower feed costs, increase productivity, and enhance income through better commercialisation of livestock products.”
The goal is for the trained agents to teach these new methods to farmers in rural areas. “The extension agents trained during the session would transfer the knowledge to rural farmers, which helps them adopt sustainable and cost-effective livestock practices,” Ikpikhumi noted.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Okonedo, an Animal Husbandry Services Officer, also commented on the importance of the training. He said that farming is changing quickly and that many farmers don’t know about new, modern methods.
“Extension agents play a vital role in bridging this knowledge gap and improving farm productivity,” he stated. He also added, “They must transfer up-to-date practices to farmers, helping them adapt to modern methods currently trending in Nigeria and around the world.”
This initiative is a practical way to help farmers in Edo State. By training agents to teach farmers how to use plant waste like corn husks and straw for feed, the program could directly lower the cost of production for livestock farmers. This can lead to increased profits and help make farming more sustainable.
The project also addresses a common issue where animals compete with humans for grains like maize and sorghum. By using plant waste, it helps reduce this competition and promotes a more circular economy in agriculture. The use of extension agents is a smart way to spread new ideas and technology from the government to rural communities, which could help close the knowledge gap mentioned by the official.
