NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy
Agriculture , Food Security

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy

634 total views today

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

Niger Govt. to crash food prices during Ramadan
Agriculture

Niger Govt. to crash food prices during Ramadan

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Ramadan

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Niger State Government says it will provide incentives that will crash prices of food items during the Ramadan season.

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago disclosed this on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the Gates Foundation on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Minna.

The governor said the move is to ensure that foodstuffs are made available and affordable to the people.

He disclosed that the state had harvested more than one million metric tons of maize, adding that through Niger Foods, the state government had stabilised the price of food items.

Umaru-Bago re-assured the Gates Foundation of his administration’s continued partnership.

He called on the Foundation to strengthen its relationship with the state on crops, livestock production, aquaculture and housing.

The governor, who disclosed that the state planned to move from one cropping season to three cropping seasons annually, said the partnership with the foundation would change the fortunes of the people.

He also emphasised on the need to have collaborative venture in irrigation to boost crop production and address climate change.

Obai Khalifa, the leader of agricultural development work in Gates Foundation, said since the inception of the foundation 25 years ago, it has been committed to the mission of adding value to lives.

He described agriculture as vital, not just in the security point of view, but also from the nutritional value.

Khalifa identified the challenges of underfunding and climate change as major factors affecting agriculture in Africa.

He pointed out that the Foundation was out to address those challenges and be part of Nigeria’s drive in agriculture transformation.

Also speaking, Mr Audu Grema, the Senior Programme Officer, Agric Development, Gates Foundation in Africa, applauded Gov. Umaru-Bago for his investment in the agricultural sector.

Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, in his remarks, described the partnership with Gates Foundation as a key factor in the agricultural transformation of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

 

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others
Agriculture

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others

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Veterinary

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) veterinary clinic, fish pond and stores for improved animal, public health and reduced over reliance on importation of aquatic foods.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security while unveiling the projects in Abuja, described them as significant milestone in the council’s continued efforts to strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure.

Kyari said the council’s efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of Nigeria farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

“The event is a testament to shared vision of a prosperous agricultural sector that is well-equipped, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“This facilities inaugurated are not just physical structures but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which our farmers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive,” he said.

Kyari specifically said that the veterinary clinic was significant as it underscores the nation’s  commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of the livestock sector.

Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN said the projects, which started in December 2023, would not
have been completed in due time without the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the ministry.

Sharubutu said the projects were conceived to better position the council to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to promote food security and increase visibility of the agricultural research system.

The executive secretary said that the veterinary centre comprising of a pharmacy, registry, examination room, consulting room and a surgery room was equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for disease surveillance and control.

“The clinic is also supported with ambulatory services to address diseases beyond the confines of the centre, thereby enabling greater reach and access to veterinary services,”he said.

He commended the project management team of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES)  for supporting the council in equipping the veterinary centre.

Sharubutu said the council also establish fish production facility in order to foster a more in-house hands-on and fulfilling learning experience, research findings demonstration and technologies dissemination.

According to him, the facility is a concrete water circulatory system equipped with culture, solid waste removal and biofiltration units, as well as pump tank and ultraviolet light.

He said the projects would strengthen the council’s coordination with international research partners among others.

“The projects have been implemented in furtherance of the mandates of the council to manage, supervise and coordinate agricultural research, training and extension in the national agricultural research institutes and the federal colleges of agriculture in the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Nestlé invests N1.8bn to support FCT pastoralists
Agriculture

Nestlé invests N1.8bn to support FCT pastoralists

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By Felicia Imohimi

Nestlé Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion to enhance the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, announced this on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm under its Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP).

Elhusseini explained that the NLDP, implemented in collaboration with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE since 2019, is structured around three pillars: better milk, better feed (fodder), and resilient communities.

“The NLDP project has invested N1,858,000,000 and currently aggregates an average of 6,000 litres of fresh milk per day from 1,600 dairy households.

“The project ambition is to aggregate 30,000 litres of milk per day by November 2027 by improving local breeds and applying best dairy farming practices,” he said.

He noted that milk producers participating in the programme had seen an increase in their household monthly income, from N70,000 to N250,000 between 2021 and 2024.

This growth, he said, was driven by improved dairy practices and the provision of enabling infrastructure within the community.

He added that milk collection at the Paikon Kore centre had increased from an initial 200 litres on 1 June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres.

“To date, the project has aggregated over one million litres of raw milk, benefiting 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.

“This increase in productivity is a direct result of training over 2,000 pastoralists in dairy practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle, and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water.

“We are establishing a practical model for implementing best dairy practices that will further consolidate and sustain the success of the NLDP, fostering sustainable prosperity for our community of milk producers, aggregators, and farmers,” he added.

Elhusseini stated that the initiative had significantly improved milk quality, reducing rejection rates from 12 per cent in 2021 to five per cent in 2024.

He reaffirmed the company’s goal to achieve a critical mass of 30,000 litres of milk production per day by November 2027 across the FCT and its adjoining dairy farm clusters.

He emphasised that this effort would make a huge contribution to regional food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, commended Nestlé for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

He described the dairy farm as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards food security, economic growth, and sustainable livestock development.

Maiha identified the project’s benefits, including enhanced productivity through climate-smart sustainable practices, capacity-building for local farmers, and a reliable source of income for thousands of rural families via the Paikon Kore milk collection hub.

He, however, pledged the ministry’s commitment to tackling major industry challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, and the need for improved veterinary services.

Olusoji Apampa, Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovations Ltd (CBIIL), described the unveiling as the beginning of a transformative era in Nigeria’s dairy industry, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Apampa said the dairy farm serves as a testament to “our dedication to sustainable milk use and quality, supported by robust herd health practices, effective livestock management, and breed improvement.

“It is enhanced by technology to minimise the impact on production economies while nurturing the environment and bolstering the local economy”.

He revealed that the animal population on the farm had increased from 20 to 71 cattle over the past year and eight months.

“By employing artificial insemination, we have ensured that our use of technology improves livestock well-being, enhances operational efficiency, and elevates the quality of milk production.

“From automated well, semi-automated—milking systems to sustainable waste management practices and improved animal feed, we have left no stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence,” he said.

Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development at the FCTA, stated that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster economic growth and national development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Water Resources, Blue Economy ministries partner to boost food production
Agriculture

Water Resources, Blue Economy ministries partner to boost food production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministries of Water Resources and the Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to collaborate to enhance food production in Nigeria.

This partnership aims at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.

The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev in Abuja.

Both ministers stressed the importance of inter-ministerial partnerships in improving water resource management, marine conservation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Utsev noted the collaboration’s importance following the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation’s emphasis on both ministries’ roles in sustaining Nigeria’s water bodies.

He emphasised that sustainable water and sanitation services are vital for public health, food security, job creation and economic growth.

He outlined the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

“These departments oversee initiatives such as providing clean and reliable water supply, developing and managing irrigation systems, hydropower generation, fisheries development and flood control.

“These efforts are crucial for food security and economic resilience,” he said.

Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.

He further announced that a joint committee would be established by both ministries to develop a working document with a clear framework to guide their collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, Oyetola revealed the untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security and economic growth.

He noted that fish production in Nigeria would be enhanced through stronger collaboration between the two ministries.

Oyetola highlighted the ministry’s role in sustainable water management for healthy ecosystems and pollution prevention.

He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the water resources and sanitation ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the need for collaboration to optimise Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters.

He noted that sustainable water resource management would improve livelihoods and foster economic development within coastal communities.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with directors and senior officials from both ministries. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

WFP earmarks .5bn for hunger, malnutrition in Nigeria
Agriculture

WFP earmarks $2.5bn for hunger, malnutrition in Nigeria

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By Felicia Imohimi

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says it has budgeted 2.5 billion dollars in the 2023 to-2027  Nigeria Country Strategy Plans (CSP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is geared towards achieving zero hunger and improved nutrition across the country.

Mr Seriene Loum, Head of Programme, WFP said this at the Co-creation workshop organised by the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop is in collaboration with National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA).

Loum, who represented WFP Country Director, said WFP strategic goal was to ensure a world without hunger in line with the SDG 1 and 2 on poverty and zero hunger.

He said the organisation would work closely with member states of United Nations including Nigeria to mobilise resources to fully implement the programmes.

“WFP Nigeria CSP 2023 t0 2027 a five-year project has a dedicated activity for strengthening institutional capacities and enhanced enabling environment in line with national target to achieve zero hunger by 2030.

“The project focus on food technology, fortification of  supply chain management, improving nutrition and emergency preparedness responses.

“2023 to 2027 have five pillars and each of them focus on zero hunger and improved nutrition.

“We have  some interventions that focus  on emergency response, making sure that people will not go to bed  hungry which are lifesaving activities that aim to provide immediate food assistant to people that are in need,’’ he said.

Loum identified Nigeria as operating one of the biggest social safety nets programme in Africa.

He said it was also encouraging that Nigeria had an ambitious safety nets programme target at uplifting hundreds of millions of its populace out of poverty.

He  said: “considering the current economic trend and level of vulnerabilities in Nigeria, the Cadre Harmonised (CH) result of October 2024 reveals that about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure and projected to reach 33 million between June to August 2025.

“It is therefore expedient that all stakeholders, most especially WFP, need to work together with the Federal Government for this very ambitious goal to be achieved,’’ he said.

Also, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, NSIPA said the seminar was meant to harness collective expertise and resources to achieve meaningful impact in the lives of Nigerians.

Represented by Mrs Uche Obi, Director, Human Resources Management, he commended WFP for its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

According to her, WFP partnership is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the shared vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous society.

“The NSIP launched in 2016, elevated to a full-fledged Agency in 2023 has made significant strides in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

“Through various programmes, including the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (NCTO), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) and N-Power, we have reached millions of Nigerians.

“We are providing them with opportunities for economic empowerment, education, and improved well-being .

“The WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition and emergency response will be invaluable in enhancing our programmes and achieving greater impact.

“This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing our nation,’’ he said.

He said WFP’s support had made it possible for the Federal Government to pull stakeholders in meaningful discussions and in shaping the future of their partnership.

“Your investment in this partnership is a testament to your commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people,’’ he said. (NAN)  www.nannews.ng

Edited by Uche Anunne

Niger urges farmers to insure farms against disasters
Agriculture

Niger urges farmers to insure farms against disasters

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By Rita Iliya
Niger Government on Wednesday advised farmers to insure their farms against disasters, following recent floods that devastated farmlands in the state.

Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, gave the advise during an on-the-spot assessment of farms affected by flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

Bawa-Bosso represented by Dr Mathew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said insuring farms against disasters would provide farmers with financial protection and support during times of crisis.

“Disasters such as floods, droughts, and pests can have devastating effects on farms, leading to significant losses for farmers just like it has happened.

“By insuring their farms, farmers can receive financial compensation for their losses, which would help them to recover quickly and continue farming,” he said.

He attributed the flood to excess water from Kainji and Jebba dams, associated with climate change.

He assured the farmers that the flood would recede within five days and that extension agents would collect data on affected farmers for possible government intervention.

Bawa-Bosso disclosed that the state government plans to link affected farmers with the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) for further intervention.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Baba,  Managing Director of Niger State Agricultural Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA), advised farmers in the state to key into the Niger Foods Project.

Baba explained that the project allows farmers to access inputs on credit and repay at harvest, thereby boosting their production.

Earlier, Alhaji Mahmudu Usman, ‘Etsu yankpa’ of Kusogi village, disclosed that the flood had destroyed about 300,000 hectares of rice farms worth billions of Naira.

Usman stated that the disaster had affected indigenous and non-indigenous farmers in more than 25 villages under Kede Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.

He appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the farmers, as their livelihood depends on the farms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that floodwaters, allegedly from Kainji and Jebba dams, have inundated numerous farmlands in at least ten communities, causing widespread destruction.(NAN)
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

Stakeholders validate northern project studies on poverty reduction
Agriculture

Stakeholders validate northern project studies on poverty reduction

453 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders have validated the Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and French Development Agency (AFD) Value Chain in Northern Nigeria (VCN) programme’s complementary studies.

The programme aims to contribute sustainably to poverty reduction, improved nutrition, and greater resilience among rural and vulnerable populations in northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the validation workshop on Monday in Abuja, stakeholders stated that the VCN complementary studies were conducted to provide a deeper understanding of the context in which the project would be implemented.

The studies also identified key leverage points and challenges faced in the region.

Bukar Musa, Director of the Project Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the VCN programme is a Federal Government initiative designed to improve the livelihoods of half a million smallholder farmers and uplift vulnerable populations.

Musa explained that the programme’s objectives would be achieved by strengthening value chains, enhancing agricultural productivity, and increasing market access.

He added that the project aligns with the Presidential Emergency Declaration on Food Security, the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), and other related policies.

According to Musa, implementing the VCN programme will help reduce poverty, enhance nutrition, and improve the resilience of rural populations in nine northern states—Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Mrs Dede Ekoue, Country Director of IFAD Nigeria, stated that the complementary studies conducted by the Food and Agriculture Innovation Centre (FAO) would strengthen the implementation of the already developed project implementation manual.

Ekoue noted that the studies were funded by IFAD and AFD.

“This collaborative and systematic approach with development partners and UN agencies fosters the scaling up and efficiency of investment in support of national priorities for agro-food systems transformation and sustainable development.

“This development focuses on the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNDSDCF) and AFD Nigeria’s Country Intervention Strategy,” she said.

Ekoue added that the VCN programme, expected to be signed in August 2025, would directly benefit an estimated 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Ms Sally Ibrahim, Project Manager representing AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, Xavier Muron, said the workshop marked the successful completion of studies intended to facilitate the operational implementation of the VCN programme.

Ibrahim stated that the programme aims to promote inclusive economic opportunities for vulnerable populations and address food and nutritional insecurity in northern Nigeria.

“AFD’s current support to the sector in Nigeria focuses mainly on improving rural access and agri-markets.

“This future support for the VCN programme, alongside IFAD, represents a significant step in creating synergies with other agro-food development programmes implemented by the government.

“It seeks to address the challenges and multiple fragilities facing the agricultural sector,” she said.

Mr Braimah Tofiq, Operations Officer at FAO, explained that the complementary studies conducted by the organisation were aimed at refining and strengthening the project’s implementation strategies.

Tofiq revealed the rising rate of malnutrition in northern Nigeria and outlined key interventions to address the challenge.

They include promotion of nutrient-rich crops, improved maternal and child nutrition, and the encouragement of backyard and small-scale animal husbandry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the VCN complementary studies by Line Kasperson, Investment Support Officer at the FAO Investment Centre in Rome. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Lagos unveils N500m subsidy intervention fund for poultry, fish farmers
Agriculture

Lagos unveils N500m subsidy intervention fund for poultry, fish farmers

633 total views today

 

By Olaitan Idris and Mercy Omoike

The Lagos State Government has disclosed plans to launch a N500 million Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme to empower farmers with a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish) to boost local agricultural production in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ounje Eko Discount Market was introduced to cushion the effect of food inflation for Lagos residents.

Also, the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme was birthed to cater to the challenges of local farmers in the state.

Olusanya said through the subsidy programme, the state would provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25 per cent subsidy on poultry and fish feeds.

“We unveil yet another transformative intervention under the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems— the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme.

“Recognising the challenges faced by our farmers, we are pleased to introduce the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme —a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at supporting agricultural production through a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish).

“The livestock and aquaculture farming, has been under significant pressure due to the rising cost of production inputs.

“Poultry and fish feed alone account for over 70 per cent of production costs, leading to reduced farm operations and, in some cases, closures.

“This has not only affected farmers but has also contributed to food inflation and reduced access to essential protein sources such as eggs, chicken, and fish,” Olusanya said.

This, she said, would enable the farmers to sustain and improve production levels and ensure a steady supply of poultry and fish products in the market.

Olusanya added that the initiative would prevent further farm closures and mitigate food insecurity.

She described the initiative as a transformative action of the government to ease production cost of farmers through a 25 per cent subsidisation of feed inputs.

The commissioner said the subsidy programme scheduled to start on February 5 would disburse feeds at the discounted price of 25 per cent every Wednesday as a pilot run for the programme.

“The programme will run every Wednesday from Feb. 5 to Feb. 26, 2025. Farmers will pay only 75 per cent of the cost, while the government subsidises the remaining 25 per cent.

“Pre-ordering and payment processes will be managed through farmer associations to ensure transparency.

“Vendors will deliver pre-ordered products to market locations for verification and distribution.

“This intervention departs from past strategies where free input distribution led to diversion and inefficiencies. Instead, this subsidy model ensures accountability, proper targeting, and sustainable impact,” the commissioner said.

She noted that farmers would only benefit from the programme as registered members of farm clusters and associations.

She said the ministry would partner with reputable feed millers for sourcing of the feeds and farmers’ associations for distribution to ensure the success of the programme.

“To ensure the success of this programme, we have put in place a robust implementation strategy.

“The Designated Discount Market Locations for the distribution of the feeds are the; Erikorodo Poultry Estate, Ikorodu, Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe, Aiyedoto Poultry Estate, Ojo, Coconut House, Mowo, Badagry, Farm Service Center, Oko-Oba, Ikeja and the Fish Farm Estate, Odongunyan, Ikorodu.

“Farmers will pay only 75 per cent of the cost, while the government subsidises the remaining 25 per cent.

“Pre-ordering and payment processes will be managed through farmer associations to ensure transparency. Vendors will deliver pre-ordered products to market locations for verification and distribution,” she said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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

IFAD-VCDP made us landlords, millionaires— Niger beneficiaries

699 total views today

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

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