The Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN) has urged the government and the populace to embrace micro gardens to boost food production and ensure food security.

During a training organised for farmers on Wednesday in Abuja, the chief executive officer of TOPAN, Bola Oyeleke, said adopting the method would safeguard farmers from the security challenges currently bedevilling the country.

He said the training was informed by the security challenges confronting farmers in the country.

Mr Oyeleke said micro garden schemes entail developing small-scale farms through cluster farming by engaging women and youths in a community.

“We are trying to see how people can form small gardens in clusters and increase yield. So, we decided to take this to the public to increase their production capability.

“The essence is to see how food will be sufficient for all in communities and the country at large at an affordable price,” he said.

He said the training was targeted at the youth, women, and the existing small-scale farmers to see how they could use the scheme to improve production.

He identified micro garden as one of the best options to food security and the best method that could be used to ensure the security of farmers’ lives and agricultural produce.

Mr Oyeleke said embracing the farming process would also ensure food safety for all, compared to distance farming.

(NAN)