EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On 8th August 2025, the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly’s Department of Agriculture trained the Unity Women Farmers’ Cooperative and Michel Camp Women Farmers Association on Good Nursery Management Practices. The training introduced the use of certify seeds, seed crates and cocopeat, highlighting their advantages over traditional soil beds. A practical session allowed farmers to prepare cocopeat, fill crates, and nurse certified tomato seeds. Participants gained hands-on skills and expressed readiness to adopt the method. Follow-up support and wider training are recommended.
1. INTRODUCTION
As part of its mandate to promote modern and efficient agricultural practices, the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly through the Department of Agriculture organized a Capacity-Building training session for the Unity Women Farmers’ Cooperative and Michel Camp Women Farmers Association covering a total of 59 participants which includes: 50 farmers (39 females and 11 males), 8 staff (4 females and 4 males) and 1 male facilitator. The training, held on 8th August 2025 at the farms’ meeting grounds, focused on Good Nursery Management Practices to improve seedling quality, crop establishment, and overall farm productivity.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
The training aimed to:
– Enhance farmers’ knowledge on proper nursery establishment and management.
– Introduce the use of certify seeds, seed crates and cocopeat as an improved medium for raising seedlings.
– Equip farmers with practical skills to adopt modern nursery technologies for higher yields and reduced losses.
3. TRAINING PROCEEDINGS
3.1 Opening Session
The session commenced with introductions and a brief statement from the Department of Agriculture representative, highlighting the importance of nursery management in crop production.
3.2 Farmers’ Presentations
Participants were asked to briefly share their current nursery practices. Farmers highlighted traditional methods such as using bare soil beds, which often resulted in uneven germination and pest attacks.
3.3 Facilitator’s Presentation
The facilitator introduced seed crates and cocopeat as a modern nursery medium for seedling production. Key points included:
– Definition and composition of cocopeat.
– Advantages:
• Improved germination rates.
• Enhanced moisture retention.
• Reduced soil-borne diseases.
• Easy handling and transplanting of seedlings.
– Environmental benefits of using cocopeat as a sustainable growing medium.
3.4 Practical Demonstration
A hands-on session was conducted where participants learned:
– How to prepare cocopeat medium.
– Proper filling of seed crates.
– Correct sowing depth and spacing for seeds.
– Labelling and maintaining nursery trays.
Participants practiced by filling seed crates with prepared cocopeat and nursing certified tomato seeds provided for the demonstration.
4. OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING
– Farmers gained practical knowledge on the use of seed crates and cocopeat.
– Participants recognized the efficiency of modern nursery techniques over traditional methods.
– Farmers expressed readiness to adopt the method for upcoming planting seasons.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
– Provide certify seeds, seed crates and cocopeat to farmers at subsidized rates to encourage adoption.
– Conduct follow-up visits to monitor implementation and offer further guidance.
– Expand training to other Farmers Based-Organizations (FBOs) / groups within the Municipality.
6. CONCLUSION
The training successfully equipped participants with improved nursery management skills, which are expected to boost seedling quality and overall crop yields. The Department of Agriculture will continue to provide technical support to ensure full adoption of these practices within the group.
REPORT IN PICTURES
