News Agency of Nigeria
Tomato farmers predict produce scarcity over Tuta Absoluta outbreak
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

Flour Mills Prize for Innovation transforming food production – Farmer
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

FG inaugurates “Nourish Nigeria” Project to bolster food security
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

Nigeria, Vietnam strengthen cashew trade ties
Agriculture

Nigeria, Vietnam strengthen cashew trade ties

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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

L-PRES Coordinator seeks private sector support for livestock growth
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

FCTA develops agric. policy to boost food security
Agriculture

FCTA develops agric. policy to boost food security

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has started developing its Agricultural Policy and Implementation Plan to guide interventions toward increasing food production in the FCT.

Mr Umar Malamiyo, acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, said this at an event in Gwagwalada on Wednesday, adding that the goal was to enhance food security.

Malamiyo was represented at the event by Mr Agu Igwe, the Deputy Director, Public Private Partnership in the Secretariat.

He said the engagement would help government officials and stakeholders to identify key areas that could help farmers to grow major crops in large quantities.

He pointed out that most farmers in the territory lack basic knowledge on irrigation activities and cultivation of certain food crops.

According to him, the policy, when developed, will help FCT to achieve its aims of ensuring food security through adoption of best agricultural practices in food production.

He expressed optimism that the  policy document, expected to be ready in six months, would offer solutions to all challenges affecting the agricultural sector in the territory.

Malamiyo said that the FCT Administration does not have a specific policy on agriculture to provide a sense of direction towards achieving good security for residents of the territory.

“Therefore, this exercise is geared toward developing a policy that will guide us on how best to support our farmers to boost agricultural productivity,” he said.

One of the resource persons, Prof. Oyinkan Tasie, said that the policy document would capture strategic areas in the FCT agriculture sector.

Tasie added that the move would  deepen the knowledge of farmers in adopting best agricultural practices.

“We are working with the FCT Administration to develop an agriculture policy. This will be the first of its kind since the creation of the FCT.

“Through the policy, the Administration will be able to articulate its vision in the area of agriculture, and in the long run, address hunger and other challenges affecting the attainment of food security” Tasie said.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Expert urges inclusion of adolescent nutrition in national policy
Agriculture , Food Security

Expert urges inclusion of adolescent nutrition in national policy

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By Felicia Imohimi

Dr Patricia Ukegbu, Head of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has called for the inclusion of adolescent nutrition considerations in the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (NPFN).

Ukegbu, an Associate Professor at the university, stated that such a move would help reduce the long-term burden of stunting and contribute to achieving nutrition security in Nigeria.

She made the recommendation on Tuesday during the first-quarter coordination meeting of the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN) in Auta-balefi, Nasarawa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukegbu is a Policy Fellow of the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP), an initiative of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

She delivered a presentation titled “Integrating Gender-Responsive Adolescent Nutrition Considerations into the NPFN”.

She explained that although the current policy acknowledges gender inequalities, it lacks specific provisions to address disparities related to adolescent nutrition.

She identified these inequalities as relating to food and nutrition security, access to healthcare services, educational resources, social protection, and empowerment.

“The NPFN contains no specific national provisions for younger adolescent females (aged 10–14) and males in general (aged 10–19),” she noted.

“The policy rightly focuses on children under five and women of reproductive age. However, it inadequately engages adolescents in interventions designed to meet their distinct nutritional needs”.

Ukegbu advocated for a review of the 2016 NPFN to incorporate gender-responsive strategies on adolescent nutrition, including the promotion of adolescent participation in policymaking processes.

She also recommended the development of clear objectives, targets, and strategies to improve adolescents’ nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours.

According to her, these measures are critical to ensuring adequate nutrition for the nation’s adolescent population.

Ukegbu highlighted the opportunities for strengthening gender-responsive adolescent nutrition in Nigeria, including policy, programme, and legal frameworks.

She cited existing programmes such as school feeding, food fortification, dietary diversity, and biofortification.

The nutrition expert outlined key challenges facing adolescent nutrition, including inadequate diets, malnutrition, food insecurity, and the absence of gender-responsive policies and programmes.

She also mentioned the lack of national age- and gender-disaggregated data on adolescents’ nutritional status, food consumption, and nutrition knowledge.

She noted that most existing programmes targeting adolescents are primarily focused on reproductive health.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, an expert in Community and Public Health and Paediatric Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, advocated for a life-cycle approach to nutrition.

Nnam emphasised the need to prioritise nutrition at every life stage from early childhood through adolescence and into old age.

She said: “Adolescence is a critical developmental phase.

“While most development occurs from conception through the first 1,000 days, the adolescent stage is another key window when substantial physical and cognitive growth takes place.

“If nutrition is properly addressed during adolescence, it can help correct some deficits incurred earlier in life”.

Dr Victor Ajieroh, a nutrition expert and AWARD mentee to Ukegbu, described the advocacy for adolescent nutrition inclusion in the NPFN as timely.

He stressed that such inclusion would allow the country to maximise the benefits of its demographic structure.

Ajieroh maintained that while the nutrition of mothers and children under five must remain a priority, strategic attention should also be paid to adolescents aged 10 to 14.

“The school feeding programme should be expanded to include this age group.

“We must strengthen school-based health, nutrition, and agricultural programmes, especially in secondary schools, to prepare adolescents for their most productive years.

“Once they leave school, they enter the workforce and become part of the nation’s productive population.

“From a reproductive health standpoint, as they transition into early adulthood, many begin to marry and start families.

“If we want future generations of healthy children, we must first ensure that today’s adolescents are well-nourished and healthy.

“We must equip them with the knowledge and habits that promote good nutrition, not only for themselves, but also for their future families, “he added.

NAN reports that participants at the meeting included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, civil society organisations, and development partners. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Farmers task new Bank of Agriculture MD on digitalisation
Agriculture

Farmers task new Bank of Agriculture MD on digitalisation

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Digitalisation
By Mercy Omoike

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has urged the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Mr Ayo Sotinrin, to ensure the digitalisation of the bank for effective service delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu, on April 4, appointed Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the BoA.

Sotinrin is a seasoned finance and agribusiness expert and brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors.

The Southwest Chairman of AFAN, Mr Femi Oke, who commended the President for Sotinrin’s appointment tasked him on the digitalisation of the BoA for increased efficiency.

“It is a good development for President Tinubu to have appointed a new person. What we are asking is that they should move from analogue operations to digital.

“Their system is still an old one which is very slow. If you save there, you cannot withdraw in any other place.

“The new managing director should also expedite the process of loans, so that more farmers can get access to them. Definitely, without soft loans, new intakes cannot come into the sector.

“BoA is basically set up to aid those who are about to go into the sector. So they should prioritise funding for local farmers,” Oke said.

Also speaking, Mr Omotunde Banjoko, an agriculture analyst, urged the new management to update the operations of the bank to a digitalised state.

“The new managing director has been appointed at a very crucial time and the change is really straightforward. The number one thing to be done is that the bank has to be digitalised.

“And the digital transformation will come in different ways. As of today, when you pay money into your account at Bank of Agriculture, you do not get an alert.

“You can only withdraw from your branch and no other branch and customers can pay money into your branch. This means the bank is still operating in the 1940s.

“So, the bank has to be digitalised in its processes and operations. This is what has been scaring a lot of farmers.

Now I opened a bank account in Ogun state, I cannot even transfer into the account from my phone.

“I cannot go to any of their branches in Lagos to pay into my account except I go back to Ogun state. That is a major snag the bank is facing.

“So, the bank has to be completely transformed in terms of digitalisation.

Although they have on paper 109 branches, but they are spread wide apart,” Banjoko said.

The expert also urged the new managing director to prioritise funding and loans for local farmers to boost the sector’s growth.

“So, in terms of funding, before now, they give below N1,000,000 to farmers.

But, through the recapitalisation, even before the former Managing director left, they were giving loans up to N5 million to farmers, and that is fair.

“So, the new management should follow up on that. Even though I thought they should make it N10 million. So, they should make proper funding available for farmers.

“This is what will also transform the sector. So, funding should be prioritised and not politicised. We should focus on that as well and what will make agriculture attractive to young people as well.

“The bank really needs to do a lot of branding work. You enter a BUA branch and you are not sure you are in a bank. You see one or two staff probably sleeping, probably doing their loan and all that.

“So, there is serious branding work waiting for the new managing director. And then, he should engage stakeholders more,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

LIFE-ND begins project in 3 states
Agriculture

LIFE-ND begins project in 3 states

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By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported Livelihood Improvement and Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project has commenced the implementation of an agri-entrepreneurship initiative across Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Imo states.

Dr Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

His statement followed a sensitisation and inspection tour by project officials.

Sanni identified the three states as part of those funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He emphasised that implementation has begun with community sensitisation and the identification of both incubators and incubatees in the participating states.

According to him, the sensitisation aims to create awareness within the communities and instil a sense of ownership.

He noted that the exercise involved engaging community members and leaders, as well as identifying potential incubators (trainers) and incubatees (trainees) in the respective Local Government Areas.

“This sensitisation exercise creates a background to the next exercise, which is profiling of potential incubators and incubatees who are the key players in the LIFE-ND incubation model.

“This model takes it roots from the traditional master-apprenticeship system popularly practised in the eastern region of Nigeria.

“The set target is that each state is expected to empower 4,250 beneficiaries and there is a deliberate effort at ensuring gender balance is achieved,” he said.

Sanni explained that the identified beneficiaries would be profiled and that prospective incubators and incubatees would subsequently be selected.

“In terms of commodity focus, Akwa Ibom will prioritise cassava, oil palm, poultry, and aquaculture; Imo will focus on cassava, rice, poultry, and aquaculture; while Rivers will target cassava, plantain, poultry, and aquaculture.

“The overall goal of the LIFE-ND project is to realise a transformed rural economy in the Niger Delta from which the rural population can derive prosperity and equal benefit.

“The project development objective is to enhance income, food security and job creation for rural youth and women through agri-enterprise development on a sustainable basis in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria”.

The LIFE-ND project, a joint initiative of the Federal Government and IFAD, officially began on February 21, 2019.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) serves as the lead implementing agency, while NDDC acts as a partner in delivering the project across the nine Niger Delta states.

The project is targeting a total of 38,250 beneficiaries across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers states.

Sanni clarified that IFAD is funding six of the states; Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo, while the remaining three are funded by NDDC.

He further noted that the project includes an initial six-year phase with parallel funding from NDDC, and an additional six years under future IFAD financing.

According to Sanni, “IFAD has released 60 million US dollars in the first which has enabled the implementation of the project in the six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo from 2019 to 2025.

“NDDC funded states commenced implementation in 2024 when its made the initial commitment of 2.5 million dollars in August 2024 and another 2.5 million dollars in Jan. 2025. The said amount will enable the three states swing into full implementation”.

Meanwhile, on the ground in Imo State, stakeholders are already witnessing the impact of the project.

Mr Mbaeyi Emeka, an incubator and owner of Prince Mbaeyi Emeka Farm in Obollo Autonomous Community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, commended the LIFE-ND intervention.

Emeka recounted that he had previously operated as a subsistence cassava farmer before joining the project.

Now, he proudly identifies as a full-fledged commercial farmer.

“I advise youth and women indulging in cassava production to be dedicated. If you can endure for one year when the cassava has matured, you will realise bumper harvest, self-sustaining economically and employer of labour.

“There is money in farming, especially cassava.

“When l came back from Italy after spending four years l went into farming which is profitable.

“So, l advise people to be courageous and go into farming especially cassava production rather than waiting time in expectation of civil service and oil job that is not available,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Ifeoma Njoku, an incubatee under Mbaeyi Farms, described cassava farming as a lucrative venture.

She encouraged other women to take advantage of the LIFE-ND project to improve their livelihoods and boost household incomes.

She praised the project for alleviating the struggles of the less privileged.

Also, Mr Young-man Soseipiri, Assistant Farm Manager at Petros Poultry Farms in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, said the initiative had provided an opportunity to train incubatees in broiler and layer production. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Enugu Govt. trains 100 farmers on Climate Smart Agriculture
Agriculture

Enugu Govt. trains 100 farmers on Climate Smart Agriculture

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By Stanley Nwanosike

No fewer than 100 farmers from the 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State have received training on Climate Smart Agriculture to mitigate agricultural losses.

The workshop is aimed to enlighten farmers on best agronomy, seedlings and planting/harvest periods as well as protection of crops and the farmer and family against harsh weather, disasters and sicknesses.

The workshop on “Downscaling of 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction for Enugu State Farmers” was organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

Declaring open the workshop on Friday in Enugu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, said that participating farmers would be part of trainers meant to further stepdown the training.

According to him, the 100 registered farmers participating will serve as trainers and ambassadors for the dissemination of knowledge and best practices in the Climate Smart Agriculture to farmers in each of the 17 council areas.

“Their experiences and insights will be invaluable as we work together to implement these innovative agricultural strategies and step it down to each farmer and his or her farmland.

“Our mission to transform Enugu State into the food basket of Nigeria and an export hub is bolstered by robust partnerships with private investors.

“We have signed partnership agreements with the following private partners: Pragmatic Palm Ltd, Biosources and Technology Ltd, Ugwu Anama Farm and Fungtai Engineering Company LTD.

“Others are Atletico Farm Concepts Ltd, Whit Rabbit Agro Concept Limited, and the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN).

“More partners are in the pipeline for both rehabilitation of existing farms and establishment of new ones,” he said.

Ubru said that the state government, its partners and the people were cultivating vast areas of land and developing produce cities that would serve as centers of excellence in agriculture.

“These collaborations are essential as we strive to create value chains that not only enhance production but also improve the livelihoods of our farmers.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, we envision a future where Enugu State is synonymous with agricultural prosperity.

“Our goal is to feed the people of Enugu and beyond while establishing our state as a key player in the national and international agricultural markets.

“Today’s event is not just about climate predictions; it is about equipping you, our farmers, with the knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

“In a world where climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, we must stay informed and proactive,” he said.

The commissioner urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop and use the information provided to implement best practices that enhanced the state’s agricultural resilience.

Ubru expressed gratitude to farmers especially the youth and women, private partners, and stakeholders for their unrestingly commitments to the development of Enugu State.

Speaking, Mrs Glory Onyegbule, Director, Applied Meteorological Services in NiMET, said that Enugu State, according to the 2025 rainfall prediction, would have ample and long stretch of abundant rainfall between April and November.

“However, farmers should start planting when there must have been series of rainfall and the ground saturated with enough water. This should be so since most farmers in the state depend on rain feed, sustained type of agriculture.

“This will ensure better and bumper food harvest for direct consumption, local market and foreign exchange earnings as well as reduce or eliminate losses due to wrong rainfall or climatic timing,” Onyegbule said.

Corroborating, Prof. Ifeanyi Enete, Director, Institute for Maritime Studies of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said that adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture was a current global best practice and it opened up better understanding of modern agriculture.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Victor Ngwu, urged farmers in the state to adopt the new learning and modify their farming practices to check losses and ensure constant profitability in their farming business. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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