NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Agriculture

FG pledges support to addressing post-harvest losses

54 total views today

By Aminu Garko

The Federal Government says it is determined to provide all the needed support for initiating modern innovation to address post-harvest losses among farmers across the country.

The Minister of State for Industry and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of a modern Onion Storage Facility in Kano State.

The facility, established by Prism Foods Ltd. Dawakin, in Kudu Local Government Area of the state and located at Gadar Tamburawa, is valued at more than N10 billion.

It is aimed at tackling the pressing issue of post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers in the region.

Enoh, who was visibly delighted with the facility, said it was the first of its kind in Africa.

He commended Prism Foods Ltd. for investing heavily in a solution to post-harvest losses, saying it would enhance food security and encourage entrepreneurship while boosting the nation’s economy.

According to him, facilities like this will pave way for more job opportunities and improve food security by providing a reliable storage solution for onions and other perishable commodities.

“This facility will play a vital role in effective service delivery as well as supporting the nation’s agricultural development.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to curb post-harvest losses, potentially increasing farmers’ income and creating more job opportunities for youths.”

In his remarks, Gov. Abba Yusuf, represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, commended Prism Foods Ltd. for the huge investment in Kano.

Yusuf said that the state government was committed to providing all the needed support to ensure that agricultural produce is enhanced.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prism Foods Ltd., Mr Aman Gupta, said the massive post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers prompted the establishment of the facility.

He said the facility would be able to store 10,000 tonnes of onion at a time.

Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, Chairman, National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, said that the facility would significantly reduce post-harvest losses of onions and other perishable commodities.

Maitasamu disclosed that the association produced two million metric tonnes of onions, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.

He lauded the federal government and the Kano State Government for their support in making the project a reality. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Agriculture

Ogun supports farmers with N5.4bn inputs to boost food production

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By Joy Akinsanya

The Ogun State Government has supported farmers with N5.4 billion worth of inputs through the Ogun State Transformation Economic Programme (OGSTEP).

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Bolu Owotomo, said this at a news conference on Monday in Abeokuta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development objective of OGSTEP is to increase agricultural production and stimulate private sector participation in the agricultural, industrial and skills sectors of the Ogun State economy.

Owotomo said the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, through the OGSTEP initiative, had ensured increment in food productivity in the state.

“Supporting farmers with inputs worth billions of naira, we are expecting the farmers to produce 318,000 tonnes of commodities.

“So far, we have harvested 65,000 tonnes of commodities and we are still going to harvest 92,000 tonnes which we have started.

“We are expecting all the farmers under the OGSTEP to generate about N15.9 billion from their produce,” he said.

Owotomo said the state Ministry of Agriculture had registered 160,000 farmers adding that over 40,900 farmers had been shared into 2,537 groups.

He added that 22,000 farmers under the OGSTEP programme had been supported across the state with inputs.

He said 16,000 farmers had benefited from the state’s capacity building programme, while 34,000 farmers have been laid to offtakes.

He promised that the state government would continue to ensure food stability through various interventions that would cut across the 20 local government areas. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Agriculture , Food Security

IWMI unveils strategy to boost water, agriculture innovation

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By Tosin Kolade

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has introduced its 2024-2030 strategy to drive innovation in water management and agricultural practices in Nigeria.

This announcement was made at the sidelines of the Africa Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday.

IWMI Director General, Dr Mark Smith, presented practical, science-based solutions to Africa’s pressing water challenges.

“The IWMI Strategy 2024-2030 outlines an ambitious agenda for research and innovation in water security.

“It tackles current and future water management challenges, aiming to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation.

“The strategy aligns with national and regional priorities and is backed by an action plan to boost partnerships, growth, and impact,” he said.

Smith noted that while Africa’s water challenges are vast, so too are the opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of focusing on practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions.

“At IWMI, we are working to restore watersheds, modernise irrigation, promote water reuse, and empower farmers with tools that enhance productivity and resilience,” he said.

Smith outlined four strategic pathways for agricultural transformation that align with the African Union’s vision: watershed restoration, improved irrigation system performance, water reuse, and farmer-led irrigation.

He listed examples of IWMI’s work, such as in Ethiopia’s Yeboa Watershed, where interventions like terracing and contour farming have greatly reduced soil erosion and improved groundwater recharge.

These efforts, he said, have expanded irrigable land fivefold, creating new agricultural and economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

“In Mali, IWMI collaborated with the Office du Niger to co-develop performance indicators for irrigation schemes.

“This data-driven approach has enabled targeted investments and smarter water management, leading to improved efficiency and increased yields.

“IWMI is also promoting the safe reuse of wastewater for agriculture, which reduces pressure on freshwater sources, improves soil fertility, and recovers valuable nutrients.

“Our work in promoting water reuse is not just about alleviating the strain on freshwater systems, but also enhancing agricultural sustainability and supporting a circular economy,” Smith noted.

Dr Funke Cofie, IWMI’s Africa Director for Research Impact, emphasised the institute’s broader commitment to sustainability and resilience.

“We generate knowledge and evidence-based solutions to improve water use, ranging from rain-fed systems to full irrigation.

“Our work focuses on environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and preparing communities to manage risks like flooding”.

Cofie highlighted IWMI’s role in developing Nigeria’s flood early warning and anticipatory response system, known as the AWARE platform.

“Using satellite data, the platform helps predict flood events and supports timely, community-level action to mitigate impacts. This approach moves us from reactive disaster management to proactive planning

“We are here to catalyse change. Whether in the arid north or the south, we are committed to turning knowledge into tangible impact and delivering sustainable solutions across Nigeria,” she said.

She said that during the two-day conference, IWMI hosted five technical sessions on key themes such as digital innovations in water management, farmer-led irrigation, and the water-energy-food-environment nexus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the institute also launched new training tools for irrigated rice production in Africa.

With its new office and strategy now in place, IWMI is set to deepen its engagement in Nigeria, working closely with public institutions, research organisations, and local communities to address region-specific water challenges.

NAN also reports that IWMI has opened its new office at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Agriculture , Food Security

FG declares national emergency on food security

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By Tosin Kolade

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared a national emergency on food security, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward”.

Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.

According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs), farmer management centres, and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

The minister further revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few, we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said

He appealed to development partners to show greater responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.

“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.

It may be recalled that he had earlier addressed participants at the Young Professionals’ Forum, a pre-conference event which gathered emerging leaders in irrigation and water management across Africa.

Arcieri emphasised the role of young professionals in driving sustainable solutions to the continent’s water challenges.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agriculture

IFAD LIFE-ND: Cross River making impact, says country director

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By Christian Njoku

Ms Dede Ekoue, the Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) says Cross River is driving transformational impact in its project in Nigeria.

Ekoue said this on Monday during the inauguration and hand-over of open market stalls, toilet and solar powered borehole in Uruandung Community, Akpabuyo Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River.

The IFAD assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) in collaboration with the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Cross River, is a project which targets rural communities.

The project which empowers unemployed and underemployed youths within the ages of 18 and 35 and female headed households, as well as people with disabilities to improve their income and food security, is ongoing in 10 LGAs of the state.

The country director said the first phase of the programme which trained 26,000 agric entrepreneurs in the state had been concluded, adding that the second phase, about to commence had been upscaled to accommodate about 100,000 beneficiaries.

She lauded the government of Cross River for prompt disbursement of its counterpart fund and leadership which had enhanced the quality of the project in the state.

“We have just handed over a market infrastructure to Uruandung Community to support the development of agriculture as a business because there is a lot of agricultural production here.

“We had to support our incubatees who were trained by LIFE-ND when they asked for an evacuation point for their produce such as poultry, cassava, palm oil.

“We are satisfied and from what I have heard from members of the community, this project is fit for purpose,” she said.

Mr Johnson Ebokpo, Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, said that the fact that the projects were need-based was commendable.

According to him, gone are the days when projects are just cited without consultations with the community, adding that part of the broader approach to produce evacuation from the community is to expand the size of the market.

“This will be done by the state government in consultation with the community and this project which has been handed over to the council will be managed by the council,” he said.

On his part, Dr Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD/LIFE-ND, said that the projects were a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the community now had an open market stall, a toilet facility and a solar powered borehole which they requested for in terms of priority of infrastructure to drive agro entrepreneurship.

Mr Ephraim Eyo, the Community Relations Officer for Akpabuyo LGA, who spoke on behalf of the people of Uruandung Community, thanked the partners, adding that they would protect and ensure sustainability of the infrastructure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

 

Agriculture

Tomato farmers predict produce scarcity over Tuta Absoluta outbreak

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By Mercy Omoike

Tomato growers have expressed concern over the recent Tuta Absoluta virus infestation of the crops currently affecting the price of the produce in the various markets across the country.

They expressed their concerns in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

NAN reports that Tuta Absoluta, also known as Tomato Leaf Miner, is well known as a serious pest of tomato crops in Europe, Africa, Western Asia and South and Central America, with larvae causing up to 100% loss if not effectively controlled.

Tuta Absoluta can ravage tomato cultivation in a little above 48 hours – prompting farmers to nickname it Tomato Ebola.

It can breed between 10 and 12 generations in a year with the female capable of laying about 250 to 300 eggs within its lifetime.

The Chairman, Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, said the recent outbreak of the virus had affected the price of the produce in the local markets.

“The invasion of the Tuta Absoluta virus which began in early March has ravaged some farms up North.

“The virus does not affect the tomatoes much during the wet season except during the hot season. The temperature has been unusually high in recent times, and it causes humidity in soil.

“The virus has affected supplies to markets across the country, that is why you will notice some changes in the price of tomatoes. This is because some tomato farms have been completely destroyed by the virus despite being in the harvest season.

“Now, here in the North, in the market, a 50kg basket of tomato sells for about N30,000 due to the infestation.

“Before the outbreak, a basket of tomato was sold between N5,000 and N10,000, because this is actually the season for tomato harvests,” Zuntu said.

In preventing the spread of the virus, he also noted, “Humidity in the soil poses a more probable cause for the rapid spread of the flu in tomato farms infected.

“The outbreak of Tuta Absoluta virus cannot be prevented totally because no one can stop humidity from taking place. However, we can take some preventive measures to curtail its spread.

“Even when we plant climate-resistant or disease-resistant seeds, they are still susceptible to the Tuta Absoluta virus infestation.

“What we can do to curtail it from spreading is to apply the Integrated Pest Management approach,” he said.

On his part, the National President, Tomatoes and Orchard Processors Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), Mr Bola Oyeleke, said the outbreak had a minimal effect on tomatoes price because the crop is already in its harvest stage.

“Tomato harvest is currently ongoing around the country, so the impact of the Tuta Absoluta virus is not deadly as it was during the off season.

“We can still see tomatoes coming to the market daily but if the infestation is on, it is probably affecting crops newly planted.

“The Tuta Absoluta virus is one of the major problems plaguing tomato cultivation in Nigeria,” Oyeleke said.

He, however, said that to prevent the outbreak of the virus continually, local farmers must work together.

“The only solution is that we have to start introducing more technology for land preparation for our farmers to forestall these frequent outbreaks.

“The land preparation for small scale farmers should be a general thing. If it is in a local government area, they should start land preparation together.

“Embarking on land preparation together will help reduce in preventing pests on their farms,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Agriculture

Flour Mills Prize for Innovation transforming food production – Farmer

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

A farmer, Mr Samson Ogbole, says Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. (FMN) Prize for Innovation (PFI)  is promoting innovativeness and sustainability in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

Ogbole made the assertion on Thursday in Lagos in his report: “A Case Study of Soilless Farm”.

He said that innovation was the backbone of sustainable food systems, adding that for four years, the FMN- PFI had been championing groundbreaking agricultural solutions.

According to him, the PFI identifies and supports visionary entrepreneurs who are transforming food production, processing and distribution.

The farmer noted that since its inception, the competition had produced winners, each securing vital funding and mentorship to scale his agribusinesses and contribute to  food security.

“The journey from FMN-PFI finalist to an international agricultural innovator has been transformative for thousands of farmers across Nigeria.

“This multiplier effect exemplifies the vision behind the FMN Prize for Innovation  -supporting enterprises that can scale their impact far beyond their initial operations.

“As farmers, we face many challenges, but knowing that there is real support for innovation and growth from big and reliable organisations, such as FMN, gives us the confidence to keep pushing forward,” he said.

Ogbole said that his innovation – Soilless Farm Lab, was bridging knowledge gap in agritech by focusing on skill retooling and upskilling for young people.

He said that the farm had become a hub for learning and innovation, ensuring Nigerian youths would be well-positioned to lead the next wave of agricultural breakthroughs.

Modupe Thani, Head, Corporate Communications, FMN, described Ogbole story as one of the most inspiring  stories from PFI.

She noted that Ogbole was the first runner-up at the inaugural edition of FMN PFI, adding that he became a judge at the fourth edition, sharing his insights and experiences with a new generation of agri-preneurs.

Thani said that Ogbole’s journey from a promising innovator to an industry leader was a testament to the impact of FMN PFI in promoting excellence in agriculture.

She said that Ogbole’s Soilless Farm Lab employed advanced hydroponic and aeroponic systems that allowed for year-round cultivation of high-value crops without conventional soil.

According to her, the innovative approach conserves up to 95 per cent of water compared to traditional farming methods.

She added that it eliminated  the need for harmful pesticides and reduced carbon footprint associated with food production.

“This nutritional density has earned soilless farm products certification from several international food quality organisations and secured it premium positioning in high-end global markets.

“Beyond running a successful agribusiness, Samson is empowering the next generation of farmers. He actively trains thousands of young Nigerians, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in modern agriculture.

“So far, over 8,000 agricultural jobs have been directly created, 19,368 youths have been skilled in hydroponics, and 23,565 farmers have benefitted from training programmes,” she said.

The official said that by identifying and nurturing ventures such as Soilless Farm, FMN was helping to address fundamental challenges in the country’s agricultural sector, from seasonality constraints to quality consistency.

“The programme’s focus on scalable, technology-driven solutions aligns perfectly with global trends toward more efficient, sustainable food production systems,” she said.

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Agriculture

FG inaugurates “Nourish Nigeria” Project to bolster food security

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By Fortune Abang

Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), on Thursday inaugurated the “Nourish Nigeria” project to bolster food security in Nigeria.

Ogunbiyi, represented by Mr Olanipekun Oshadiya, Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services of the ministry, disclosed this in Abuja at a one-day workshop.

The workshop, which centred on Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture in Nigeria, was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the (FMAFS) and the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security.

The workshop also centred on the inauguration of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) titled: “Nourishing Nigeria: Integrating Nutrition-Sensitive Approaches for the Implementation of the Agriculture Sector Food Security and Nutrition Strategy (AFSNS)”.

“​Nutrition-sensitive agriculture is pivotal for combating stunting, wasting and low weight by fostering awareness of healthy diets, improving value chains for nutritious foods and enabling diverse food production at household levels.

“These efforts, which align with Nigeria’s food systems transformation agenda, seek to boost dietary diversity and sustainable food security, targeting significant reduction in malnutrition.

“Let us work together to ensure Nigeria takes her rightful place in the comity of nations. This is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but we are committed to achieving our goals,” he said.

Also speaking, Koffy Kouacou, FAO Representative ad interim in Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the workshop as apt, as it was coming at a time when Nigeria faced crisis in food security and nutrition.

Kouacou, represented by Tofiq Braimah, Operations Officer at FAO, observed that some families adopted negative coping mechanisms, such as skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, or relied on less nutritious alternatives to cope with the challenges.

“It is against this backdrop that FAO, in collaboration with FMAFS and the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, is launching the Nourishing Nigeria Technical Cooperation Programme.

“This initiative seeks to confront these challenges head-on, by embedding nutrition-sensitive approaches into agricultural planning, implementation and policy,” Kouacou said.

Dr Chike Okafor, Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security at the National Assembly, stressed the need for expansion of the project, to advance policy implementation across the country.

Okafor said, “We cannot effectively nourish Nigeria without creating and strengthening the required Policy and Legal Frameworks. This is the premise on which the legal, policy, research and documentation consultants will work.

“By so doing, we can make laws abolishing multiple taxation of food products in transit from one part of Nigeria to another.

“Laws to prohibit certain cultural practices that hinder the girl child or adolescent optimal nutrition or extended breastfeeding, should be looked into and policies re-appraised to understand why they are poorly implemented.”

Meanwhile, Mr Nuhu Kilishi, Director, Nutrition and Food Security Department of the ministry, described the project as a collective dedication to incorporate nutrition-sensitive approaches into the agriculture sector food security and nutrition strategy.

“Our goal is to create an enabling environment that supports the implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture practices.

“This requires a fundamental shift in how we design and implement our agricultural policies and programmes,” Kilishi, also the National Project Coordinator of Nourish Nigeria, said.

The pilot project, designed for Lagos, Ogun, Niger and Bauchi States, seeks to promote awareness among stakeholders of the objectives and potential risks to ensure effective coordination and implementation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Christiana Fadare

Agriculture

Nigeria, Vietnam strengthen cashew trade ties

152 total views today

By Patricia Amogu

Nigeria and Vietnam have begun formal discussions to deepen trade and investment in the cashew sector, with a focus on boosting local processing and transforming its value chain.

The National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Dr Ojo Ajanaku. said this in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with the Head of Delegation, Ms Nguyen Phuong, and other representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy.

“We have been working towards signing some contracts, and we are hopeful they will be successful.

“With this Joint Trade Committee (JTC) and additional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), we believe we can achieve great things for the country and elevate the cashew industry in a way that benefits our stakeholders,” he said.

Ajanaku emphasised that the initiative would further strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with Vietnam, noting that foreign investment brings increased commitment and facilitates knowledge sharing.

“There is no such thing as technology transfer unless it is bought or stolen. But this time, they are coming to us willingly, which means we will benefit from direct technology transfer,” he explained.

He added that the bulk of cashew processing would now be carried out locally, eliminating the need to export raw cashew nuts for processing abroad.

“I can say our farmers’ prayers have been answered. They will now be in high demand and valued for the quality of their produce.

“No longer will they be forced to give away their cashew at low prices, it will now command the worth it truly deserves,” he stated.

Ajanaku also highlighted the uniqueness of cashew as a commodity, pointing out that not all countries have the favourable conditions required for its production.

“Nigeria is fortunate to have the right climate and weather, which enables us to grow cashew. I say congratulations to our farmers, they should continue to support this initiative and pray for its full realisation,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Vietnam is a key player in the global cashew market, ranked among the top producers worldwide.

Nigeria is a leading supplier of raw cashew nuts to the Southeast Asian country over the years. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Agriculture , Food Security

L-PRES Coordinator seeks private sector support for livestock growth

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has called for collaboration with the private sector to boost commercial livestock farming, increase productivity, and strengthen the resilience of targeted livestock production systems across Nigeria.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, made the call at the Value Chain Enhancement and Infrastructure Clinic for Effective Livestock Supply Chain and Market Orientation on Wednesday in Abuja.

Abubakar identified the Project Development Objective (PDO) as improving productivity, commercialisation, and resilience of targeted production systems in Nigeria, as well as strengthening resilience to climate change, environmental degradation, and farmer/herder conflicts.

“We cannot attain the heights, than to join hands together, cross-fertilise our ideas, tap from your expertise, professionalism through your various mandates in livestock value chain enhancement and agribusiness with the supervision of Ministry of Livestock Development key and World Bank Group.

“L-PRES beneficiaries are being profiled in a water-tight database and mapped in organic clusters/groups identification and formation across the various local governments in the 20 participating states to aid seamless implementation and achieve the PDO.

“The six livestock value chains supported by the project are beef, dairy, piggery, poultry, sheep and goat, hides and skin,” he said.

The national project coordinator noted that the project was deliberate and intentional in the inclusion of youth and women in livestock farming, in order to bridge generational gaps.

Abubakar said the main objective of the L-PRES strategy was to achieve productive alliances, benefit from common facilities and infrastructure, and ensure a well-coordinated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in investment across “our Value Chain Hub (VCHs) and Livestock Service Centres (LSCs)”.

According to him, this approach would further optimise the livestock supply chain, strengthen value chain market linkages, and support market development, among other benefits.

Abubakar described the gathering as important, saying it aimed to address the core concerns of the project, as “necessitated for sustainability by our livestock beneficiaries across the participating states and multiplying effects of the country’s economy as a whole”.

He emphasised that these objectives could be realised through the development of the livestock sector and the achievement of the project’s result framework.

“This stakeholders engagement is sine-qua-non to the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and a key ingredient to achieving food security through livestock value chain agribusiness and value addition/processing.

“Also, packaging, cold-chain supply, branding, quality assurance, traceability and export driven to earn much needed foreign exchange.

“L-PRES within its lifespan and stakeholders support is positioned to maximise the opportunities of the African Continental Free-Trade Area (AfCFTA) through industrialisation and will naturally drive food security, food safety, economic growth, job creation among others”.

Mrs Heather-Ronke Akanni, Livestock Value Chain Consultant for L-PRES, said the clinic would support livestock agribusiness across all 20 participating states and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Akanni identified the project’s safety net as threefold: government-supported, demand-driven by beneficiaries, and assured in its sustainability.

She said the orientation aimed to enhance livestock value addition, engage youth and women, improve market opportunities, promote exports, and add value across all project value chains. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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