By Peter Uwumarogie

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has confirmed the receipt of N60 billion support from the Federal Government for the establishment of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in the state.

Yahaya disclosed this in Gombe on Saturday during a ground-breaking ceremony for the establishment of the zone.

He said that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration had pledged N120 billion support towards the establishment of the zone and out of that released part of the money.

He stated that the initiative was aimed at building a prosperous and sustainable future in livestock development in the state.

He said that the zone, which will cover a total area of 184 hectares, would house an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery and leather factory, a world-class grains and livestock feeds market, and an in-land dry port.

“Each facility is designed with cutting-edge infrastructure to enable safe, efficient, and large-scale processing and commerce.

“The Gombe Ultramodern Abattoir is set to transform meat processing in Gombe State, and indeed the entire Northern region of Nigeria.

“This automated facility will enable hygienic, efficient, and globally compliant processing, packaging, and distribution – serving both domestic and international markets.

“By eliminating the outdated practice of transporting live animals under unsafe and costly conditions, we pave the way for a smarter, safer livestock economy,” he said.

The governor said that the project would provide job opportunities, enhance productivity, encourage import substitution and increase foreign earnings along all segments of the livestock value chain.

Yahaya commended Tinubu for his support towards harnessing the huge potential in the livestock sector.

On his part, Alhaji Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, restated the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the livestock sector.

Maiha said that the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve animal processing capacity for local and international consumption.

He commended the governor for his initiative to revamp the livestock sector, adding that the facility, when completed, would process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants and 3,000 poultry birds daily. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says that exporters in Imo recorded 8.6 million dollars from the production and export of cashew in the 2024 fiscal year.

Executive Director of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, said this at a workshop on cashew production organised by the council in Owerri, on Friday.

She spoke on the theme: “Best Agronomic and Post Harvest Practices for Cashew Cluster Farmers in Imo State”.

Ayeni, represented by the Imo Coordinator of NEPC, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, said that boosting cashew production was key to achieving sustainable growth in the sub sector.

She commended cashew farmers in the state for their resilient efforts in spite of challenges.

She said that products from the cashew value chain can be used in the production of wine, liquor, cream, butter and other consumables.

“We have facilitated the purchase of 1,500 improved seedlings of cashew to be distributed to Okwudor and Okigwe farmers for value addition and export just like we did for cocoa two years ago and now, they are fruiting,” she said.

She thanked the Imo Government for providing the enabling environment for the activities of farmers and exporters in the state to thrive.

Speaking, Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Umuahia, urged farmers to develop interest in cashew production.

Adebola, represented by Dr Olaniyi Olufemi, the institute’s Head of Station in Umuahia, said that CRIN will provide agronomic assistance and technical know-how to assist interested farmers of cashew, kola, coffee, cocoa, tea and black plum. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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By Hamza Suleiman

The Federal Government says its agricultural reforms are designed to ensure food availability, affordability and accessibility for all Nigerians.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this to newsmen in Maiduguri.

Kyari highlighted the government’s ongoing interventions in the agricultural sector to tackle food insecurity and revive the national economy.

He said the ministry had adopted a multi-pronged strategy to confront challenges such as insecurity, flooding, and import dependency, particularly in critical areas like wheat and rice production.

“As part of efforts to reduce the over six million tonnes of wheat currently imported annually, we have launched a national wheat farming programme,” Kyari said.

He noted that Cross River had become the first southern state to join the wheat production drive, marking a significant milestone in diversifying the crop’s geographic spread.

Kyari also said fertiliser distribution under the programme had boosted rice production by 58,000 tonnes, enabling the Federal Government to subsidise rice supply to states affected by flooding.

“In addition to wheat, the ministry has championed a successful rice programme, leading to positive harvests nationwide,” he said.

The minister stressed the need to protect both consumers and producers, noting that “80 per cent of our food is produced by local farmers.

“Our immediate priority is to address affordability and ensure every Nigerian has access to safe and nutritious food,” Kyari said.

With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, Kyari said the government was focused on mechanised agriculture and youth empowerment to guarantee long-term food security.

He said that the government was also working to restore national assets, including tractors and essential equipment to boost productivity.

To reduce post-harvest losses, Kyari announced a bilateral agreement with Brazil focused on the preservation, processing, and storage of perishable food items.

He also said Nigeria had partnered with Belarus to provide aggregation services aimed at significantly increasing output.

The minister warned against misuse of government-supplied agricultural machinery, urging farmers to make judicious use of such equipment.

He further revealed that only three of Nigeria’s silo sites were currently functional, but plans were underway to reactivate the remaining facilities.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure these critical storage facilities are fully utilised,” Kyari said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed