By Stephen Adeleye

Farmers under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) in Kogi are celebrating a bumper dry season rice harvest.

The farmers, who cultivated rice on various hectares of farmland, appreciate Kogi VCDP for providing them with essential farm inputs, including improved rice seedlings, fertilisers, harvesting equipment and capacity building training.

The farmers attributed their success to the support they received from the VCDP, which included training on good agronomic practices and provision of critical farm inputs.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, at Magajiya Ijiho Cluster Rice Farmland in Lokoja, some of the farmers thanked VCDP for the intervention, saying it had increased their yield.

A farmer, Sule Mohammed, said that the dry season rice harvest had brought joy to VCDP farmers in the state, because they were witnessing a significant increase in their rice yield.

“As VCDP farmers in Kogi, we have every reason to celebrate haven witnessed a remarkable increase in our dry season rice harvest,

“The variety of improved rice seedlings given to us with fertiliser and training, have greatly improved our yield.

“Our old seeds always take like five to six months before harvest, but now with the improved seeds, three months we are done.

“We thank God, with Kogi VCDP intervention we now have lock-up shops to keep and preserve our products to sell to the processors.

“We presently sell 100kg of rice paddy at N42,000 per bag, and the Hausas are coming from the North to buy and load our rice in trailers,” Mohammed said.

Another farmer, Mohammed Musa, said the VCDP support was instrumental to their success of bumper harvest in the dry season.

“In the dry season, there is rest of mind about our planting, unlike the rainy season when flood can submerge the whole farm overnight.

“Our livelihoods have improved tremendously through Kogi VCDP inputs’ support, enlightenment and training.

“It has helped us to improve our farm yield up to four times the previous harvest that we used to get, and it has improved our well-being and livelihoods,” Musa said.

A female farmer, Sadiyat Umar, said the bumper harvest had helped them to improve their standards of living amidst the economic hardships in the country.

“We thank VCDP for providing us with improved rice seeds (Faro 44), fertilisers, agrochemicals, harvesters, reapers, pumping machines, and other essential farm inputs.

“We are grateful to the VCDP for this bumper harvest we are reaping now on our farms,” Umar said.

The farmers also appealed to the VCDP and the Kogi Government for more support and training to enhance their capacity and adopt best agronomic practices.

In her remarks, Dr Fatima Aliyu, the National Coordinator IFAD-VCDP Abuja, who was on the field to witness the harvest, commended the farmers for making VCDP proud in Kogi.

Aliyu, represented by Vera Onyilo, the Knowledge Management and Communication Advisor to VCDP National Office, commended the state government for prompt and timely payment of its counterpart’s fund.

“I am here on a field visit to monitor and capture the success stories of the dry season harvest of Kogi VCDP farmers.

“Usually, when we support the farmers, we also track and monitor them to be able to capture the success stories.

“Last year, we supported them with Agro inputs, such as fertiliser, improved rice seeds, agrochemicals, and good agronomic practices in terms of training.

“We are happy with what we are seeing here today on the field; we watched the farmers doing mechanical harvesting which was part of the things we supported them with, like the reapers,” she said.

She added that the support from the IFAD-VCDP had helped the farmers to be able to engage in rice farming both in wet and dry seasons with multiple yields.

“This bumper harvest will in turn improve their livelihoods and help them to be able to send their children to school build houses and carry out investment.

“Before the farmers used to harvest 1.5 metric tons of rice per hectare, but it has greatly increased to an average of 5.5 metric tons per hectare, which shows that the support and results are visible,” she said.

Aliyu assured the farmers of more support during the upcoming wet season farming with the necessary inputs.

Also speaking, Dr Stella Adejoh, the IFAD-VCDP Kogi State Coordinator, commended the State Government for creating an enabling environment for the VCDP programme to thrive in the state.

She also praised Gov. Ahmed Ododo for the timely payment of the state’s counterpart fund, which has facilitated the programme’s implementation.

Adejoh explained that the VCDP supported small-holder farmers with two to three hectares of farmland through farmers’ organisations including women and youths in the five pilot local governments in Kogi.

“The VCDP’s intervention in the state has not only improved the livelihoods of farmers but also contributed to the country’s food security.

“The programme’s focus on rice and cassava value chains has empowered farmers to produce high-quality crops, using modern farming techniques and equipment,” she said.

Dr Adejoh disclosed that more than 3,000 rice farmers have been supported, while a total of 5,450 of both rice and cassava farmers have been supported across the five benefiting local government areas of Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ibaji, Olamaboro and Kabba-Bunu. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alh. Idi Maiha, says the Federal Government will clear 500 hectares of land in Benue to promote ranching and dairy production.

Maiha disclosed this during his visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre, Raav, Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.

He said the 2,400 hectares allocated to the centre was sufficient for ranching and dairy, adding that the Federal Government would begin with clearing 500 hectares.

He regretted that the centre, with over 2,400 hectares, currently has only 37 animals, and all its facilities are dilapidated and need full rehabilitation.

“We will form a small committee to suggest ways of moving this place forward.

“We aim to establish two enterprises here: one for dairy, the other for ranching.

“2,400 hectares is sufficient, so we will initially clear 500 hectares to receive pasture before the rains this year,” he assured.

The minister said the committee would propose facilities such as pens, isolation centres, maternity pens, dips and other support structures including housing and chalets.

He explained the centre would collaborate with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, for research purposes.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, Director-General, Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, said this aligns with the state government’s vision for the bureau’s creation.

Asambe said the state government believes ranches will address security challenges and allow farmers to return to their ancestral lands.

He said the state government took a pragmatic step to build a reliable livestock industry that brings economic benefits to the people.

He commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for supporting the bureau in achieving its livestock development mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister earlier visited the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project, Yadev, Gboko LGA, and the International Cattle Market, Makurdi. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Federal Government says it will upgrade the Benue State Swine and Crop Improvement Project in Yadev Town of Gboko Local Government Area to full capacity.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alh. Idi Maiha, stated this when he visited the project site at Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yadev.

Maiha said that already the government had planned to operate an integrated piggery farming and processing initiative in the state.

The minister, who expressed satisfaction with the existing project, also said the initiative was noble and it would be upgraded and sustained to satisfy the people.

According to him, the farm would be upgraded to operate at its full capacity of 3000 pigs, as opposed to the 79 pigs that presently exist on the farm.

“It will be a reproductive centre where piglets will be produced for outgrowers to buy,’’ he said.

He said when upgraded, the farm would encourage more genetic productions instead of the three types of breeds, large white, duroc and landrace, available in the farm.

The minister, however, said that the Federal Government would also encourage the establishment of a small modular processing unit where pig meat can be processed and packaged for sale.

“We are going to leverage technology here; we are going to bring different genetics to crossbreed with our local ones so that we have faster, bigger-growing pigs.

“We are also going to use this place as a centre for learning. We’ll ensure availability of feeds; we need cooperatives for the outgrower system so that they can be fully integrated into the livestock business.

“Benue is very active in piggery. The government will also support the revitalisation of the poultry sector in the state.

“Benue is a large agricultural state; it is the food basket of the nation, so we are also going to focus on the development of pastures in the state,” he pledged.

In his address, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, Director General, Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, Transboundary and Animal Control, said pigs have both cultural and economic value for the people of the state.

Asambe said the state government would utilise the Federal Government’s support to maximise the full potential of the livestock sector. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abdul Hassan and Peter Amine

By Desmond Ejibas

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has provided financial support to 300 rice farmers in the Niger Delta, each receiving starter packs worth N200,000 to enhance rice production.

The Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the starter pack was presented to the beneficiaries during the closing ceremony of the second batch for the NDDC-sponsored training programme for rice farmers.

Ogbuku, represented by the NDDC’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector in the region.

According to him, the programme aimed to expose farmers with essential skills in modern rice farming techniques, processing, and agribusiness strategies.

“The scheme is designed to enable farmers to enhance rice production, establish  cooperatives, and explore further partnerships with relevant agencies and financial institutions,” he stated.

Ogbuku also highlighted the NDDC’s ongoing collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to provide apprenticeship training for farmers in the Niger Delta.

“We remain committed to implementing impactful agricultural empowerment initiatives to enhance food security, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the region,” he added.

Mr Wale Oretan, the Deputy Director for Agriculture and Fisheries in NDDC, said 300 farmers from Abia and other states in the region participated in the training.

He explained that the training covered both theoretical and practical aspects of rice production, processing, and entrepreneurship.

“Each participant received a starter pack worth N200,000 along with a certificate of completion,” Oretan stated.

He urged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained from the training to improve their businesses and boost rice production across the nine Niger Delta states.

The President of the Abia Rice Farmers Association, Mrs Uzoma Ochulo, expressed gratitude to NDDC on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Ochulo said the beneficiaries would share their knowledge with other farmers in their communities to increase rice production in the Niger Delta. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Ijendu Iheaka

The Abia government has deployed veterinary teams to all 17 local government areas to vaccinate farm animals against anthrax, a deadly bacterial zoonotic disease.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbeze, confirmed this at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, during the official launch of the vaccination.

Agbeze stated the campaign became necessary following a recent anthrax outbreak in cattle in Nasarawa, reported by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abuja.

He explained Anthrax poses serious economic and public health risks, affecting animals and humans, with high rates of illness and death if not swiftly contained.

The commissioner said the vaccination campaign was Abia’s rapid response to prevent the spread of the dangerous disease within the state’s borders.

“Gov. Alex Otti approved the mass vaccination of cattle, sheep, and goats to safeguard public health and ensure the state’s agricultural sector remains safe.”

Agbeze urged livestock farmers to present their animals for free vaccination, which will take place between March 21 and April 3 across the state.

Dr Ijeoma Aguwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, represented Agbeze at the launch event held at the university premises.

Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Cosmas Ogbu, said the college is ready to support the ministry’s efforts through collaborative veterinary services.

He pledged the college’s support to extend veterinary care to remote areas, ensuring more livestock farmers benefit from the government’s intervention.

Ogbu said success depends on reaching rural communities, and he urged vaccinators to focus efforts on villages and target small ruminants like sheep and goats.

“Our goats and sheep in rural areas need this vaccination; do not limit it to cities, please reach the villages,” he emphasised.

He called for strong cooperation between vaccinators and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) to increase the campaign’s reach and impact.

Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Martins Okojie, thanked the governor for approving the vaccination, which he described as critical for the state’s safety.

Okojie also appreciated Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, and the veterinary faculty for their valuable support to the ministry’s work.

He praised the Ministry of Livestock Development and NCDC, Abuja, for proactive efforts to contain anthrax and prevent its nationwide spread.

Okojie urged vaccinators to treat the exercise seriously, emphasising the vital importance of their role in protecting both livestock and public health. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo