NISS Trains Extension Agents, Farmers On the Updated NISSAGRO Version 2.0 Mobile App

Gbolahan Salman Sokoto

The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science, NISS, have been tasked to monitor the stepdown training on its Updated NISSAGRO Mobile App nationwide, by the trained extension agents and farmers.

Managing Director, KNARDA Dr. Junaidu Yakubu, emphasized on this at a one day train-the-trainers workshop for Extension Agents and farmers, including a cross section of NISS staff. The workshop was organized in collaboration with ADPs, in the Northwest Geopolitical Zone, on the use of NISS AGRO Mobile App, Version 2.0, held in Kano.

Represented by Director Extension KNARDA, Alhaji Gambo Isa, the Managing Director while commending the effort of NISS in upgrading its App, Version 1.0 to 2.0, also tasked the participants to learn the App fully so that they will  disseminate the information and train others on the new App.

The App developed by NISS, is an online and offline Agricultural one-stop shop, designed to collect and analyse data, proffer solution and give advice to farmers, extension workers, agro dealers and other stakeholders towards improving agricultural productivity.

The training, coordinated by Professor Nafiu Abdu of the Department of Soil Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on behalf of NISS NorthWwest Zonal Coordinator Professor Samaila Noma, of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, UDUS, has Aisha Buba from NISS Abuja, as the resource person.

Aisha Buba, assisted by other members of NISS, took participants on the background information of the upgraded version of the App, pointing out all the different components and special features added into the latest version.

According to her, “the NISS AGRO Mobile App, Version 2.0, is an upgrade on the pioneer 1.0 version, with contacts of registered soil scientists, information about latest agricultural techniques,  more language selection beyond the major languages.

“It also showcased improve agricultural services already verified and satisfied by NISS. All that is required is a smart phone or an android enabled phone to download the app.”

Aisha Buba alongside her team members also explained the technical issues agitating the mind of the participants taking them through how to downloading the App, registration, log in and other relevant information about the App.

The gathering however, noted that more crops and publication in forms of cartoons and local dialects should be added into the App.

A cross section of the farmers and extension agents expressed their satisfaction and happiness on the improvement in the Mobile App and promised to step down the training to other members of farmer associations and groups.

Certificates of participation were presented to all the participants who expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Registrar and CEO of NISS for his foresight and dedication.

Participants at the NISS AGRO mobile App updated workshop….photo by Gbolahan Salman