News Agency of Nigeria
FG empowers women farmers in Nasarawa with N26m
Food Security

FG empowers women farmers in Nasarawa with N26m

By Oboh Linus

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has trained and empowered women farmers in Nasarawa State with N26 million.

The Wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Silifat Sule, who performed the symbolic presentation on Wednesday in Lafia, enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the cash to enhance food security.

Sule, who was represented by the Wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Tosin Sheila Akabe, said that the beneficiaries were women farmers groups, selected across the 13 local government areas of the state.

She said that Nasarawa State was blessed with fertile land and a rich agricultural heritage, noting that women and youth were the key to unlocking the potential and ensuring a sustainable future for the state.

“It is an honour to stand before you, as we launch this vital agricultural support programme, under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“We are gathered here to celebrate potential, ignite ambition and reaffirm unwavering belief in the power of youth and women, particularly in the critical area of food, nutrition and security.

“This agricultural support programme is not just about providing tools and resources, it is about investing in youths and women, to become leaders in the agriculture sector for sustainable livelihoods,” Sule said.

She enjoined the beneficiaries to embrace opportunities for growth, in spite of the challenges ahead, and to build a stronger and more prosperous Nasarawa State.

Princess Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, thanked the Federal Government and the governor’s wife for the initiative.

Elayo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Yonah, said that the empowerment would boost women’s agro-businesses.

On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Tanko Tunga, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Planning and Research, Mrs Chinyere Nwaosuocha, applauded the First Lady for the initiative.

He charged the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the resources judiciously.

Prof. Ibrahim Haruna, a Resource Person at the training, emphasised the need to embrace homegrown gardens and to maintain them using organic manure, animal dung and nets to prevent animals from entering the garden.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries comprised of one women group each from the 13 local government areas of the state.

Each group got N2 million to support their farming activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Christiana Fadare

100 women making brisk business in Akpu production in Sheda community
Community , Food Security

100 women making brisk business in Akpu production in Sheda community

By Uche Bibilari

No fewer than 100 women are currently making brisk business from Akpu production at the Cassava/Fufu Processing Centre in Sheda, FCT.

Mrs Justina Ibrahim, Leader of the centre, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Sheda.

Ibrahim explained that Akpu business had helped them feed their families and achieve financial independence.

She revealed that the centre was built by the Kwali Area Council Chairman in collaboration with the Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) FCT Project Implementation Unit.

She noted that the business had helped the women to become self-sufficient as well as take care of their respective families.

“When we started, we were not this many. But as time went by and people saw the viability of the business, more people joined us, now we have 100 registered members,” she said.

Ibrahim disclosed that to become a member and participate in the Akpu business, a newcomer was expected to pay a ₦10,000 registration fee.

She also disclosed that members source their cassava mainly from Kogi and the FCT, adding that a pickup truck of cassava cost between N400,000 and N500, 000.

She, however, lamented the absence of sufficient reliable water supply at the centre, and appealed to the government to provide more for the centre.

She also called for the provision of a machine that would help in peeling and washing of the cassava, thereby reducing the labour involved in the process.

A member who spoke with NAN said that since joining the centre, she has made huge profit.

Mrs Joy Jalo, a member of the Akpu association, said that she joined the business five years ago with a capital of N100,000, which has now grown to N500, 000.

She said that she had been earning a living from proceeds of the business, which has improved her family’s livelihood.

Jalo said that the business had enabled her to send her children to school and also trained two of her siblings.

She, however, said that the business was not what it used to be in the past due to a significant decline in sales.

”The business used to be vibrant, but these days, with the current economic situation in the country, everything is increasing, and people are struggling to survive.

”In spite of this, we still thank God for everything, at least for being able to provide food and shelter for our families.

”This is because in cassava processing, nothing goes to waste, the cassava peel is used to feed cow and pig, while the fibre is also used as food,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deborah Coker

NGO to host national dialogue on food security
Agriculture , Food Security

NGO to host national dialogue on food security

By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund, an NGO, has announced that it will host a national dialogue on food security to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Adetola Adegbite, the Country Director of the organisation, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja ahead of the programme, scheduled for March 20.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aims to drive collaborative solutions towards a more food-secure future for the population.

He explained that the event, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”, will bring together key actors across the agricultural value chain, including government agencies, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations.

The country director, who identified smallholder farmers as the backbone of the nation’s food system, however, stressed that systemic challenges continue to limit their productivity and resilience.

“The National Stakeholders Dialogue presents an opportunity to bring all stakeholders to the table to drive real change through innovative policies, strategic investments, and knowledge-sharing.

“Together, we can bridge the gaps and work towards a more food-secure Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s food security landscape faces pressing challenges, including climate change, limited access to quality inputs, weak extension services, market barriers, and financial constraints for smallholder farmers.

“The dialogue will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions on these issues, with the goal of fostering strategic partnerships and policy recommendations to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity,” he said.

Adegbite added that the dialogue will feature two high-impact panel discussions, including “State of the Nation – Challenges of Food Security and Climate Change in Nigeria”.

According to him, experts will assess the current food security situation, climate adaptation strategies, and the key policy and investment gaps that require urgent attention.

“One Acre Fund is an NGO supporting smallholder farmers in rural sub-Saharan Africa to build resilient communities by providing them with agricultural resources, financing, and training, enabling them to grow more food and achieve prosperity”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

 

IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano
Agriculture , Food Security

IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has empowered no fewer than 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers in Kano.

Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, said this in a statement on Monday following the ongoing Field Day activity in Kano.

He stated that the activity aimed to connect smallholder farmers to viable markets and was a crucial step towards reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.

He noted that the lack of reliable buyers has long caused losses for tomato farmers, stressing that SAPZ’s core goal is to ensure market access.

“However, through a series of training sessions on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and the provision of a full package of inputs, SAPZ is equipping farmers with the necessary tools to improve productivity and profitability.

“As part of our commitment to agricultural development, this partnership will ensure that farmers not only produce but also have access to guaranteed markets for their produce.

“Transformative impact on farmers under the IFAD-SAPZ pilot scheme is 1,009 farmers, specifically 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers, have benefited from the programme”.

Yusuf said the initiative is being piloted in Kura and Bagwai LGAs, aiming to reach 14,000 farmers across 16 LGAs in Kano.

He said the first phase of SAPZ is underway in eight states, including Kano and FCT, with more to be added in the second phase.

Mr Isah Ibrahim, a tomato farmer from Watari Cluster in Bagwai LGA and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the programme, calling it a “turning point” for tomato farmers.

“Before now, we never fully understood that farming is a business. But with the training and support from SAPZ, we now approach farming differently.

“In the past, I harvested between six and seven times per hectare, but with the improved practices introduced by SAPZ, I am now on my second harvest and anticipate up to ten additional harvests.

“Efficient use of agricultural inputs has significantly boosted my yields,” he said.

Ibrahim said SAPZ has tackled market access issues by linking tomato farmers with off-takers who buy at favourable prices.

He appreciated the programme, adding that buyers now come directly to their farms to purchase tomatoes at considerable prices.

Rice farmer Mallama Hafsat thanked SAPZ, IFAD, and the Kano government for support that led to a bumper harvest.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Hafsat acknowledged that, prior to SAPZ’s intervention, traditional farming methods yielded poor results.

She stated that with training on good agronomic practices and access to critical farm inputs, her farming experience had been significantly transformed.

“Before SAPZ came in, our old ways of farming did not favour us, but now, we have been trained in modern techniques, such as nursery preparation before transplanting and proper spacing of rice plants. These have greatly improved our yield.

“My personal achievement through the improved harvest is that I was able to finance my daughter’s wedding, even after the death of my husband”. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy
Agriculture , Food Security

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mr Vincent Egbe, Managing Director, GB Foods, has called on the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation of the National Tomato Policy to enhance development of the tomato ecosystem and support its competitiveness.

Egbe made the call during a three-day industrial tour by the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Tomato Policy (2022–2026) is designed to cut down on post-harvest losses.

It will also curb import of tomato concentrates through increased import tariff from five per cent to 50 per cent and an additional $1,500 levy per metric tonne.

The GB Foods Managing Director said that Nigeria had a shortfall in tomatoes supply in spite of being the 13th largest producer of tomatoes in the world.

He said that, to be fully self-sufficient, Nigeria should be producing a total 10 to 12 million metric tonnes of tomato annually.

Egbe said the company would continue to embrace innovations targeted at celebrating local tomato flavours.

He, however, noted some shortfalls that had plagued the tomatoes industry, such as low production levels, poor infrastructure, weak market linkage and poor access to finance.

He emphasised the need to address the sector’s key challenges and secure essential support for its progress.

This, he said, could be achieved by stopping disruptions from regulatory authorities, providing incentives and fiscal support for local manufacturers and infrastructure support.

“One hundred per cent of everything done in Nigeria is manufactured in Nigeria with 55 per cent local sourcing of Nigerian ingredients.

“We would continue to invest to feed the consuming population, seeing that government is looking to grow the production base of manufacturing.

“We would continue to key into the agenda of government to accelerate contributions to the country’s economy,” he said.

Egbe also revealed the company’s plan to establish Nigeria as an industrial hub for West African markets with ongoing tomatoes distribution and logistics investments, and tomato processing expansion.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability by fostering right nutrition, preserving environmental balance and investing in local communities’ prosperity.

“We see Nigeria as the future driver of a prosperous Africa, and so we are investing here on a rate of 7:3 i.e. seven here in Nigeria and 3 in other parts of Africa.

“What we are doing in Nigeria is consistent with who we are and we would continue investing in tomatoes backward integration to develop the tomatoes ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.

Responding, the minister said that the company occupied a critical space in the food industry.

He said that while Nigeria might be passing through a phase, it still had opportunities.

Enoh assured that the Federal Government would continue to support local manufacturers and made in Nigeria goods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

IFAD-VCDP made us landlords, millionaires— Niger beneficiaries
Agriculture , Food Security

IFAD-VCDP made us landlords, millionaires— Niger beneficiaries

By Felicia Imohimi

Some beneficiaries of the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Niger say they have become millionaires and landlords through the scheme.

The farmers in Ezhigi community, Edati Local Government Area, spoke on the sidelines of media tour of FG/IFAD-VCDP project in some communities in Niger.

They said their income, livelihood and children’s educational standard had improved through the intervention of the dry season farming programme.

Mr Jubril Haruna, rice farmer and processor, said that prior to the intervention of IFAD-VCDP in 2020, he relied on his father for survival- both feeding and accommodation.

He said they were trained on good agronomical practices, how to prepare nursery bed, transplanting and proper application of fertiliser.

Haruna said they were provided with tiller machines, subsidised fertilisers, solar powered irrigation pumping machines, among others.

He said that initially, they only farmed during rainy season which was one season annually and in small scale which was unsustainable.

Haruna said at the moment, they could farm all year round in large scale, had enhanced income and build brick houses instead of mud.

He said that at the moment, he was able to build a standard house with bricks, set up a processing facility, raised his children’s educational standard and became a millionaire through the intervention.

“IFAD-VCDP provided us with solar panel water pump as against fuel pumping machine we were using initially.

“I bought additional three panels to enhance my irrigation farming which is the sustainable means of agriculture.

“The programme also provided us with improved seedlings Faro 44 which is more profitable than the former ones we were cultivating traditionally.

“Through this improved seedlings, we do realise 80 bags to 100 bags of 100kg per hectares as against 30 bags to 40 bags we used to realise prior to the intervention,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Mohammed Usman, listed some interventions received as training on how to prepare nursery bed, transplanting and provision of tiller machines for soil excavation before transplanting.

He said they were provided with fertilisers, solar powered pumping machines, among others.

Usman, who was living in his father’s house prior to the intervention, said he had become a landlord.

He described their traditional method of farming as cumbersome, strenuous and less productive.

“With VCDP we are moving forward; we now know more about dry season farming and its enormous benefits.

“IFAD-VCDP gave us solar powered water pumping machines which put an end to huge expenses on diesel and fuel to pump water.

“They trained us on good agronomical practices and gaps training on rainy and season farming,” he said.

Usman, who lauded IFAD-VCDP for its transformative intervention to the entire community, said it had improved their lives economically, morally and otherwise.

He said that before the intervention, most houses in the community were built with mud due to scarce resources.

“IFAD-VCDP has transformed lives economically, social and otherwise to the extent that almost everyone now own modern houses built with bricks.

“We have benefited a lot and our children know attend standard schools.

“I can comfortably do any business irrespective of cost; I can farm three to four hectares across seasons through their support,’’ he said.

Mrs Hadiza Isah, State Programme Coordinator, IFAD-VCDP, Niger, said the visit was to document the success story of farmers that VCDP had supported since its inception in 2020.

Isah said before the intervention, the farmers cultivated between half hectare to two hectares per person.

She said that through the support, they expanded their farms to three to four hectares per farmer.

According to her, farmers in the community can now boast of 6.5 metric tonnes to seven tonnes per hectare.

“When we notice the volume of rice produced in the community and the challenges of processing, we provided them with processing unit or facility.

“The objective of VCDP is to sustainably enhance rural incomes and food security.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Nigerian Army formalises collaboration with firm on food security
Defence/Security , Food Security

Nigerian Army formalises collaboration with firm on food security

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Ivillagro Services Limited to implement President Bola Tinubu‘s directive on achieving food security in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Executive Director of NAFARL, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife and the Chief Executive Officer of Ivillagro Services, retired Maj. Lancelot Anyanya, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The MoU signing was witnessed by the Acting Director, Legal Services (Army), Col. Samuel Okebukola.

In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Nnabeife said the MoU was in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s directive to the Armed Forces of Nigeria to take advantage of all vast arable lands within the country for agricultural purposes.

He said that the Nigerian Army had since keyed into the directives through the NAFARL with the launch of the “Project Planting of One Million Date Fruit Seedlings”.

According to him, the farm had so far planted over 3,000 out of the projected 5,000 within its land in Giri on over 20 hectares of land.

“So, we are determined to ensure that we key into all Federal Government’s agricultural initiatives to ensure that we end this food insecurity in the country.

“We believe we can’t do it alone and that is why today we are signing this MoU with Ivillagro, a well-noted indigenous agricultural establishment that is vast in all aspects,” he said.

The NAFARL boss thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for giving approval for the signing of the MoU to ensure that they build on the already established collaboration with the firm.

He said the COAS was determined to ensure that the farm grows and had assured of his continual support until NAFARL meaningfully contributed its quota to the National Grain Reserve.

On his part, the CEO of Ivillagro, retired Maj. Anyanya, said the MoU was a testament to the enduring commitment of the Nigerian Army to its depth of commitment to assuring food security as part of its wider constitutional commitment to aid civil authority.

He said that their commitment to the enterprise was not just driven by business or pecuniary considerations but an indication of their enduring commitment as Nigerians to make the country a better space for everyone to live in.

“As the saying goes, an army marches on its belly.

“So, I hope that together we can leverage technology, the institutional goodwill of the Nigerian Army, and other players in this vital ecosystem to support first the army in attaining self-sufficiency to make sure that our army, which is currently committed in multiple theaters to multiple operations, can truly march on a satisfied belly.

“And then onwards that our country will benefit from the understandable investment it is making and should continue to make in the Nigerian Army and indeed the Nigerian Armed Forces and other institutions of state.

“We will partner with you in every true sense of the word.

“We cannot ask for better partners in our commitment as a corporate entity than the Nigerian Army,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike and Yakubu Uba

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture
Agriculture , Food Security

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture

By Tosin Kolade

The University of Plymouth in the UK and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Kaduna, have announced a new partnership to advance research on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Nigeria and Ghana.

The announcement was made at the Soil Health for Productivity and Climate Resilience Workshop in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. William Blake, the Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth, stressed the importance of international collaboration toward tackling global challenges such as food security and climate change.

He said “this partnership underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation to address critical issues like sustainable land management and water resources.

“By focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture, we aim to boost agricultural productivity, while adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

According to him, the workshop focuses on strategies to improve soil health and adopt sustainable water management practices to boost agricultural productivity and enhance climate resilience.

Blake also stressed the importance of research that supports CSA at both small and large scales, from farm to river basin, ensuring sustainability across different levels.

He added that “this collaboration is particularly important for West Africa, where shared climate challenges demand locally-adaptable solutions.

“Our goal is to develop solutions that address food security while also building resilience to climate change.”

Prof. Kevin Jones, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Plymouth University, emphasised the institution’s long-standing commitment to addressing global challenges through practical research.

Jones noted the university’s focus on environmental sustainability, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its ongoing work in marine and maritime sectors.

He also emphasised the importance of scientific and technological advances in ensuring sustainable agriculture for the future.

This, he said, include focusing on soil health, ensuring productive crops and knowledge sharing to tackle environmental issues globally.

Jones also identified Nigeria as key partner in these efforts, pointing out the potential for UK-Nigeria collaboration to produce innovative solutions with global applications.

He said “global partnerships are crucial for the future. The challenges we face today are global in nature, and we need to bring together the best expertise from around the world to ensure the planet’s future is in good hands.”

Dr Omogbemi Yaya, the Director of the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management at NWRI, explained that the partnership is supported by the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for Integrated Rural Business Management.

He said the collaboration would focus on shared priorities, including rural business management, capacity building and sustainable development, with emphasis on research and teaching.

He added that “this strategic partnership between NWRI and the University of Plymouth will leverage the strength of both institutions in water resources and academic research.

“Our goal is to collaborate on research that addresses key challenges faced by rural communities.

“The partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to global collaborations and supports the university’s mission to influence sustainable development.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss strategies toward
tackling food security and climate resilience in West Africa.

The partnership is funded with £30,000 under the Innovate UK Scoping Project for Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships: UK-Brazil-Africa.

The National Water Resources Institute, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, was established in 1979.

It is tasked with training and retraining water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses – FG
Agriculture , Food Security

Unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses – FG

By Suleiman Shehu

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has advised cocoa farmers to shun unethical practices which have been leading to avoidable losses in cocoa production.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave the advice during the 60th anniversary of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan on Monday.

Kyari, who was represented by FMAFS South-West Zonal Director, Mrs Olayinka Akeredolu, observed that cocoa farmers cut corners by rushing cocoa’s processing and production stages.

“When cocoa is exported, they are tested and these sharp practices, which our people have done, are discovered.

“The implication of this may be the rejection of our product and, when they are rejected, it is a big loss to farmers, investors and Nigeria in general,” he said.

The minister said Federal Government would prefer that things are done properly to enable farmers gain from the efforts invested in producing the commodity.

He then urged cocoa farmers to seek counsel and interact with research institutes and extension agents whenever they have problems.

The minister further urged the farmers to add value to their production to enjoy better income and gain from their efforts.

“I will encourage them to continue to plant new cocoa when the ones they have are getting old. We have improved varieties in our research institutes, which they can purchase and plant.

“They need to adopt technology in the improvement of their production,” he said.

Kyari commended CRIN for its tremendous contributions and improvement over the years in developing its mandate crops, which include cocoa, kola, cashew, coffee, tea and plant plum.

“The Federal Government rejoices you on your 60th anniversary and encourages you to continue to do more to attain the fulfillment of your mandate and contributions to the country’s GDP,” he said.

Earlier, CRIN Executive Director, Dr Patrick Adebola, had commended the Federal Government as well as the staff of the institute for their support and commitment.

Adebola reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leading the charge in agriculture innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ livelihood in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

 

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G
Food Security , Science & Tech

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has expressed the agency’s readiness to support farmers with technology to boost food production in the country.

Mustapha said this when the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, a registered faith-based organisation paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, this is an era of technology where nations deploy technology in agriculture to produce their food and cash crops for sustainable growth and development.

“If we do not support our farmers with technology as other countries are doing, what are we going to do?

“Are we going to fold our hands until other countries that use technology to produce their crops for us to go and buy from them?

“The crops that have been commercially released in this country, Tela maize, cowpea and Biotech (Bt) cotton are very essential in terms of development of our nation economically,’’ he said.

The NBRDA boss stated that these genetically modified crops created job opportunities and helped in reducing foreign exchange for food importation.

He added that the climate smart crops were exemplary in the attempt of finding a solution around climate change that was affecting the country and the rest of the world.

Mustapha said that the misinformation about Generically Modified Organisms (GMOs) was being sponsored by people who were trying to bring down the country’s efforts in reducing hunger and malnutrition.

“With the release of Tela maize, a lot has been achieved, we are no longer going to be importing all those GMOs that are being cultivated outside the country,’’ he said.

The D-G said that he requested some farmers to give him an update on their yields in the last planting season.

He said that farmers realised that due to insufficient rainfall, those that planted local seeds did not harvest close to half of what they expected to harvest.

“But those that planted Bt cowpea have harvested fully because it has yielded with the shortest possible time even though the rain did not reach, which is an advantage,’’ he said.

Mustapha assured that his agency was ready to deploy science and technology to improve food production and supply in line with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda which also includes food security.

He expressed hope that the club’s visit would open a new chapter of advocacy of using technology in the development of the country, especially technology in agriculture.

Earlier, Hajiya Bola Usman, President of the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, urged lawmakers to pay an oversight visit to agencies under difficult and unfavourable condition for an on-the-spot assessment and proper regulation.

Usman noted that the visit was to enable the club to gather some relevant materials to support its stand on the subject matter relating to GMOs.

“I am not qualified to make a pronouncement as far as research is concerned, neither do I want to make complementary pronouncements on this burning issue.

“But I am appealing to all concerned stakeholders to be cautious in order not to be misled.

“I observe that while government is planning, some people are counter-planning for obvious reasons not far from mischievousness or self-centeredness,’’ Usman said.

She said other Africa countries were making money through crops and that Nigerians should jettison negativity surrounding technology in agriculture.

She said the technologies, condemned by Nigerians locally, were ones that made other countries to advance and compete with developed nations through cooperation and understanding between governments and the governed.

Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, NBRDA acknowledged the role of faith-based organisation in reaching out to the people at the grassroots with accurate information about biotechnology.

She lauded the organisation for bringing the partnership to support technology in agriculture to enhance food production. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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