Nigerian farmers have expressed delight that the 2022 harvest especially for rice would be bountiful enough to help the country meet food sufficiency in the production of rice.
This is as solution emerged to combat the major challenge of weeds inculsion in rice fields across rice production belt of the nation’s ecological zone.
The excitement was obvious when farmers and stakeholders were hosted to a demonstration field day which had in attendance major rice farmers, researchers from the National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi which is the institute which owns the national mandate for the development of rice in Nigeria.
The green field day was to demonstrate the efficacy of a newly released systemic herbicides for the control of weeds in rice called PATRIAC. Patriarc is a novel Syngenta branded power technology against grass, sedges and broad leaves weeds with wide application and flexibility in rice production. While welcoming farmers and stakeholders, to the field day, the Syngental technical lead for Nigeria; Dr. Emmanuel Akor, applauded the mammoth crowd that embraced the gathering to witness the power of Patriac. Also in attendance at the field day were: The Executive Director of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, represented by Dr. M.N. Ishaq, Director Information and documentation (president Agricultural Society of Nigeria), Mall Sheriff Shittu RIFAN chairman Niger state, the representative of the MD NAMDA Mr. Abubakar the zonal manager zone A, Dr. H.A. Onyenkazi REFILS Zonal coordinator, North central Zone/head of programme, Extension Research and Services, NCRI Badeggi, other staff of the Institute, RIFAN members, lead farmers and other farmers from the nearby communities.
Dr Akor listed some of the advantages of Patriarc over other competitors as demonstrated on the field as: –
- Wide application window decreasing water and labor challenges
- Broader spectrum on grass, sedges and broad leaves
- Safe on crops and environment
- Systemic herbicide with residual activities
- SC formulation with Syngenta label, guaranteed at 200ml-300ml/ha.
The lead agronomist of the project Audu Sale Dogo who was at hand to demonstrate to the farmers practically the results of patriarc on the field as fast effects on the weeds at 4-5 days after application, killing all the weeds, not having a shock on the rice, long lasting effect, low rate of application at 200-300ml per hectare. He advised farmers on early application at 10 – 20days after transplanting or sowing. He also demonstrated safe use of herbicides and use of protectives wears during applications.
Reacting after the demonstration, a smart farmer; Alhaji Gimba ( also attested to the wonders Patriarc whuie he encouraged other farmers adopt Patriarc after a clear distinction on his normal practice and the Syngenta Patriarc practice at 10 and 20 days after application.
Dr M.N. Ishaq who represented the EDNCRI said from all that he has seen, Patriarc no doubt, posseses the capacity to solve the weed problems associated with rice cultivation in most of the nation’s agro ecologies. Dr Ishaq also encouraged Syngenta to continue the good work as Nigerians await the impact of Patriarc at harvest (dry field Norman order to finally acknowledge its contribution to the agricultural development of th country and its accompanied food security. Also speaking at the farmers field daay; the zonal REFILS coordinator for the NCZ Dr. H.A. Onyenkazi said he has about the product but the field aday has granted him practical opportunity to witness the capability of the herbicide, he also promised that as the REFILS coordinator he will use REFILS platform to promote Patriarc.
Farmers present at the event also include mall Sheriff, the chairman RIFAN Niger state who also encouraged farmers to use Patriarc as all present could see for themselves.
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