By Fatima Muraina

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In order to improve and increase the quality and quantity of tomato production in Ondo state, National Tomato Growers, Processors and marketers of Nigeria (NATPAN) has trained  members on field management.

The training which is one of the best so far, was held at the OSACA office along Ondo road in Akure.

Speaking on the development, the state Chairman of the association, Mr Olawale Ojo said the farmers were taken through the field management training to improve yields of their tomatoes for quality production to increase productivity and income.

He applauded the farmers for their commitment to production of tomatoes in the southwest, but that they should effectively manage their farms against fungi and diseases.

The Chairman, NATPAN, Mr Adebiyi Oluwalanu said the initiative was to  train people to start their business for the year.

“it was to further address the diseases affecting our crops and the experience we had last year was not good to be encountered again,” he explained.

He encouraged farmers to intensify more efforts on their farming activities and not to run away due to the economic situation.

He called for the assistance of the government in the area of grants so that they can comfortably buy what they need for production as he affirmed their readiness to work so that food would become cheaper.

While appreciating the late Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on efforts towards securing  the state.

Speaking with The Hope, the Resource Person, Mr Olawale Ojo, said farmers were trained on improving yield of tomatoes, using better field management against fungi and infection on their crops.

He applauded farmers for growing tomatoes in the south west, but stressed the need to expand and take extra care of the crops for bountiful yields.

He charged them to put in more efforts, using best management practice and increase their yields for better income.

In his reaction, the secretary of NATPAN, Mr Akin Ogunniyi who spoke with The Hope, said they were also trained on other varieties apart from tomatoes and the required chemicals to control the diseases.

According to him, the best specie for rainy season is ANSAL 1, while it is advisable to grow ASSILA F1 during dry season.

He also identified Tithan and Belt Expert to control any attack of the diseases in tomato planting.