NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Agriculture

Stakeholders seek review of gender policies on agricultural export

273 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The Farmers Aggregators Initiative of Nigeria (FAIN), an NGO, and other stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of existing gender policies and laws on agricultural export.

They made the call at a summit on Mainstreaming Gender in Agriculture organised by FAIN  in Abuja.

The theme of the summit is “Mainstreaming Gender into the Agricultural Sector for Women and Youth Empowerment: Developing a Roadmap for Understanding Gender Policy and Export Trade in Line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’’

Mr Cornelius Agenyi, Chief Executive Officer, FAIN, said the summit was aimed at enhancing gender mainstreaming within agriculture by promoting the active participation of women and youths, addressing vital sectoral issues and contributing to the fight against food insecurity.

Agenyi called for the collaboration of government, international organisations and private sector to ensure that gender-sensitive policies were not just in place but effectively implemented.

He specifically urged them to prioritise land rights, access to finance and equal representation in leadership roles.

According to him, the summit will also provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences and discussing best practices.

He said that FAIN was committed to empowering women and youth through modern agricultural practices that fostered sustainable livelihoods, thereby aligning with SDGs 1, 2 and 5.

Agenyi said that the initiative collaborated with more than 41 MDAs and government agencies and was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

“Mainstreaming gender was more than just a policy, but a mindset, an approach that seeks to remove barriers and create an environment where both women and men could contribute equitably to agricultural development.

“Incorporating gender perspectives in agricultural business is not only a matter of justice; it is a strategic economic move.

“Studies have shown that when women have equal access to resources; they invest their earnings in their families, communities and economy, fostering greater growth and development.

“By empowering women in agriculture, we unlock untapped potential that drives productivity, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.

Col. Abdulmumini Aminu(retired), Chairman, Board of Trustees, FAIN, called for decisive actions towards visible support for Nigerian women to succeed in agricultural sector.

Aminu, who was represented by Mrs Modupe Jemibewon, Secretary to the board, identified funding as a major challenge to efforts in boosting women farmers’ participation in agriculture.

He, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to take up the challenge of maintaining gender into agricultural business in line with the renewed hope agenda.

Mrs Folashade Joseph, Managing Director, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), identified women as indispensable to achieving food security, yet their potential remained underutilised due to systemic barriers.

According to her, empowering women societies can only be achieved by improving food security and addressing broader goals of poverty reduction, gender equality and sustainable development.

She listed some objective areas towards SDGs as improved or enhanced stakeholders understanding of gender policies and their impact on agriculture and export trade as well as promoting gender equality and increased women participation.

Joseph, however, said there was need to conduct a comprehensive review of existing gender policies and laws relating to agriculture and trade.

“In viewing gender policy, there is need for stakeholders’ engagement including government officials, farmers, exporters, women and youth to raise awareness and gather input; to provide tracing and capacity building programmes for stakeholders on gender sensitive agriculture and export trade practices,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Agriculture

Group to train 7,200 livestock breeders to boost sector’s value-chain

239 total views today

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

The Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in Livestock Agriculture (EEWYLA) initiative has targeted the training of 7,200 livestock breeders by 2027 to revolutionise Nigeria’s livestock industry and value-chain.

Mrs Amina Momoh-Orimoloye, the EEWYLA coordinator and founder of Oriyon International Ltd., disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that EEWYLA is spearheaded by Oriyon International Ltd.

The initiative has also partnered the Benue State Agricultural Development Company to achieve the goal.

The EEWYLA initiative not only provides training but integrates participants into an ecosystem that promises real growth and access to international markets.

Momoh-Orimoloye said the collaboration between the group and the government was aimed at empowering marginalised groups to revolutionise the sector through cutting-edge block chain technology developed by RUMER.NG.

She also reiterated that EEWYLA initiative would break the mould of traditional livestock training programmes.

“Unlike conventional livestock programmes that often fail to achieve scalability or market access, the EEWYLA initiative offers a refreshing alternative to such conventional training programmes that often fail to deliver tangible growth in this sector.

“EEWYLA’s approach combines practical training, mentorship, and access to innovative tools. The initiative trains breeders in small ruminant farming, focusing on goats and sheep, while working towards certifying them through the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science.

“Trainees gain hands-on experience in breeding, feeding, health management, and business skills, coupled with a strong emphasis on compliance with international standards,” Momoh-Orimoloye said.

The coordinator noted that distinction of the EEWYLA initiative was its partnership with RUMER.NG, a block chain-based platform, that guarantees traceability across the livestock value chain.

“This integration ensures that participants are not just skilled farmers but also verified breeders with products that meet international market demands.

“EEWYLA and RUMER.NG address core issues plaguing the livestock sector.

“The traceability feature enables buyers to verify the provenance of livestock and products, resolving long-standing disputes over claims and accusations, such as those seen in farmer-herder conflicts.

“Furthermore, the initiative provides beneficiaries with Forward Purchasing Agreements and access to certified breeding colonies, ensuring consistent demand and income.

“This innovative model guarantees that every breeder and product can be traced from origin to market, building trust and opening pathways to global trade.

“With Nigeria and much of Africa historically excluded from high-value export markets due to compliance challenges, this initiative bridges that gap,” EEWYLA coordinator said.

She also noted that the main beneficiaries of the partnership is centered around women, youth and People With Disabilities (PWDs).

“For women, youths, and PWDs entering this sector, the initiative offers more than just training—it offers economic empowerment. Beneficiaries receive starter herds, access to land, and integration into a global marketplace.

“Certified breeders can list their livestock on RUMER.NG, ensuring fair pricing and access to foreign exchange opportunities.

“Through mechanised processing facilities for dairy, meat, hides, and biogas production, EEWYLA’s zero-waste approach ensures environmental sustainability while adding value to livestock products.

“This ecosystem not only boosts income but also positions Nigerian farmers as competitive players in international markets.

Momoh-Orimoloye , however, urged policymakers, financial institutions, and international partners to support this vision of inclusive, sustainable, and traceable agriculture.

“EEWYLA and RUMER.NG are proof that we can address structural challenges while empowering our people. This is our opportunity to put Nigerian livestock on the global map.

“For individuals eager to transform their futures through livestock farming, or for organisations looking to be part of a ground-breaking initiative, now is the time to act.

“With this partnership, Nigeria’s livestock sector stands on the cusp of a revolution—one that promises empowerment, sustainability, and a brighter economic future,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Agriculture

FG/IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have begun annual review of Nigeria Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) from 2024 to 2029.

Dr Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the annual COSOP review.

She said it was aimed at promoting inclusive and resilient growth of rural economy through market-driven, agri-food system transformation for food and nutrition security for 1.2 million beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that COSOP is the framework of cooperation strategy between IFAD and government for IFAD financing and facilitating management for results.

The 2024 to 2029 COSOP was designed through intensive consultations with stakeholders in each geopolitical zone under the leadership of Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Finance approved by the IFAD Executive Board in April, 2024.

Ekoue said the beneficiaries included smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

She said the annual review would help to highlight some key results of the strategy for the year and also serve as a platform to reflect on the way forward.

Ekoue said digital solution in line with the National Agricultural and Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) would be scaled up in the new COSOP.

“2024 to 2029 COSOP is aimed at strengthening gender equality by moving from gender mainstreaming to gender transformation.

“It will also strengthen gender equality in leadership and managing workloads; nutrition is a key feature of the new COSOP.”

She said the new COSOP had supported training on good practice, technology and climate resilience, as well as full input and other material supports.

“COSOP has helped to support no fewer than 74,000 farmers and agro-entrepreneur in boosting their production capacity and their productivity through access to training, input and other equipment.

“Focus is put on climate resilience which has a significant impact on the agro-productivity and food system in general.

“The COSOP was also instrumental to reaching out to 20,000 persons in rural area to access financial service and helping 10,000 beneficiaries to access financial literacy.

“The projects have supported no fewer than 24,000 women, youths and start-up income generation activities.

“The projects helped beneficiaries access over 30,000 hectares of land because access to land is critical especially for youth and women and other vulnerable groups.’’

Ekoue attributed the achievement to positive partnership between the Federal Government and effective partnership between the states and the beneficiary communities.

According to her, in line with government priorities under the COSOP, IFAD is funding three sovereign investment programmes in Nigeria.

She listed the programmes as Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

“A new project- Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) is expected to come on board in 2025.

“COSOP aligned with Nigeria’s food system transformation focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices and improving market access for smallholder farmers.

“COSOP emphasises on climate resilience and environmental sustainability aligns with Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (2021 to 2030), promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts while ensuring food security,” she said.

Mr Bukar Musa, Director, Projects Coordinating Unit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the review was a testament to shared commitment to fostering agricultural development, reducing rural poverty and ensuring food security across the country.

“The COSOP framework has been a cornerstone in driving sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

“Through this partnership and cooperation, we have been able to reach underserved rural communities, empower vulnerable populations and promote resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change, economic fluctuations and insecurity,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Agriculture

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger

204 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

No fewer than 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have received grain processing machines for their outstanding performance in the promotion of agriculture in Niger state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Niger state/Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa(AGRA).

 

VSLAs is mainly women farmer groups, which specialised in raising funds for agric processors.

 

The project is tagged:Improving farmer resilience and upscaling productivity, income and livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains in Niger state.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, said that VSLA had demonstrated exceptional ability in administrative prowess and for putting funds together for the promotion of agric value chain.

 

“Notably, women-dominated VSLA groups emerged as the most outstanding, with women showing exceptional administrative prowess.

 

“We are impressed by the performance of the VSLA groups, and we believe that rewarding them will encourage others to emulate their example,” he said.

 

He noted that the recognition was to boost the morale of the VSLA groups and encourage them to continue their good work.

 

According to him, the project, which started three years ago, had created over 2,000 VSLAs in the state.

 

He commended the state government for providing enabling environment for the project to thrive.

 

In his remarks, Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, said the state was committed to ensuring that poverty was reduced through job creation for smallholder farmers.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the machines and ensure that their cooperatives give birth to another cooperative.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger, commended the AGRA/Niger consortium project and urged women cooperatives to take advantage of the governor’s agricultural revolution.

 

Mrs Rhoda Tsado, from Victory Corporative, appreciated AGRA for helping to improve their means of livelihood.

 

“Through this project, our cooperatives have been able to save money, and members can borrow and pay back,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Agriculture

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors

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By Felicia Imohimi

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), FCT Chapter, has trained 1,000 cassava farmers and 200 processors in Oyo State.

The group described the training as a huge step toward Nigeria’s goal of integrating High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) into bread making.

Mr Alex Abutu, Communication Officer for West and Central Africa at AATF, stated this in a press release issued in Abuja.

Abutu explained that the initiative aims to enhance cassava utilisation and strengthen the cassava value chain.

“This will be achieved by equipping processors with the skills needed to produce bread and other confectioneries using a blend of HQCF and wheat flour in a 20:80 ratio,” he said.

He noted that the training is part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project.

“Out of the 200 trained processors, 10 were selected for advanced training as lead trainers. These individuals are now set to cascade their knowledge to others, fostering widespread adoption of the technology.

“Participants at the training included processors from Oyo State project clusters, as well as representatives from Pacific Ring West Africa (PRWA)/GIZ and AATF.

“This initiative forms part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project, spearheaded by AATF and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),” Abutu stated.

He further highlighted that the project seeks to address critical challenges faced by cassava farmers, including low yields, high post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern processing technologies.

“By introducing mechanisation, digital tools, and best agronomic practices, the initiative aims to improve efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava value chain,” he added.

Abutu also identified a robust capacity-building programme as central to the project, targeting 6,000 cassava farmers and 1,000 processors.

“In 2025, the project plans to train 2,000 farmers—1,000 each in Oyo and Ogun States—as well as 200 processors in Ogun and 100 in Oyo.

“The programme will conclude in 2026 with the training of 3,000 farmers and 500 processors, solidifying its impact across the region.”

Abutu emphasised that the initiative highlights Nigeria’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and leveraging cassava as a driver of food security and economic growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Agriculture

NPPAN, UNIDO attract €300m investment into Nigeria’s oil palm sector

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By Felicia Imohimi

The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) says its collaboration with UN Industrial Development Office (UNIDO) will attract 300 million Euro investment in oil palm sector, especially in palm wine production.

Mr Alphonsus Inyang, National President of NPPAN, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Inyang said such investment would focus on palm wine production and packaging for export, palm trunk processing into building materials and furniture, replanting of old plantations and palm oil milling.

The NPPAN boss said that a delegation of investors from Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and Malaysia recently visited Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Lagos States to explore investment in the oil palm sector.

He said the delegation made commitment to invest the said amount in Cross River, Akwa Ibom between 2024 and 2026.

“The commitment is in palm wine production and packaging, utilisation of palm trunk for furniture,replanting of old plantations and  installation of mills of up to 30,000 hectares.

“The palm wine business alone is to create over 100,000 new businesses for tappers while the trunk business will create over 200,000 jobs in the two states”.

He said that two processing factories were to engage at no fewer than 100,000 palm wine tappers and train them on the latest technology.

According to him, the tappers will be enabled to tap their wines and sell to them in the factory, process and bottle them for export.

Inyang explained that the investors would use the palm trunk to produce building materials for European and American markets.

He said that most of the buildings and furniture in those climes were constructed or made from the spent palm trunks.

“We have companies who intended buying palm oil mills effluents, the waste and the sludge.

“They want to buy them from any mill and use such to produce industrial products like biogas and export them to Europe and America and even for the local markets, ” Inyang said.

He said that the palm trunk would provide jobs and engage over 100,000 people.

Inyang said that the beauty of the collaboration was that Malaysian company would engage in the replanting of the plantations that would be depleted.

Acording to him, the company will replant hybrid seeds that that have the capacity of yielding over 40 tonnes of palm frond bunches per hectare.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Agriculture , Food Security

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

259 total views today

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

Agriculture , Food Security

Unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses – FG

264 total views today

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

 

Food Security , Science & Tech

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G

427 total views today

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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Agriculture , Food Security

Agric show: Stakeholders task FG on food security by 2025

307 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

Agricultural stakeholders in Nigeria have stated that achieving food security by 2025 will only be possible if farmers’ security is guaranteed.

Speaking at the ongoing 16th National Agricultural Show (NAS) in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa, the stakeholders called on the government to address the various challenges hindering the sector’s progress.

The participants included the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), farmers’ associations, Agricultural Research Institutes, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), and the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), among others.

The 2024 edition of the NAS, held at the National Agricultural Showground along the Abuja-Keffi Road, is themed ‘Incentivising Smallholder Farmers to Scale for the Attainment of Food Security’.

Key challenges highlighted included the high cost of inputs, lack of mechanisation, transportation costs, insecurity, policy implementation failures, and post-harvest losses.

Arch. Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAFN and President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), identified insecurity as the greatest threat to food security, followed by climate change.

He called on the government to create an enabling environment for Smallholder Farmers (SHFs) to increase productivity, emphasising the importance of regional staple food production, improved storage systems, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.

“It is exceedingly difficult to achieve food security without identifying regional staple foods and scaling their production, processing, and distribution,” he said.

He also urged the adoption of science, technology, and innovation to transform the food system, describing it as crucial for overcoming the challenges facing the sector.

Ibrahim commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for declaring a state of emergency on food security, which he said had motivated SHFs to work towards food sufficiency.

He, however, stressed the need for further support, particularly in the absence of widespread mechanisation.

He also praised the government for signing a memorandum of understanding with Brazil to boost agribusiness, describing it as essential for improving SHFs’ productivity and attracting private sector investments.

“This initiative will generate agribusiness activities in all 774 local government areas, attracting $4.3 billion in private sector investment to agriculture. Such incentives are key to achieving food security,” Ibrahim added.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State called on the Federal Government to prioritise the National Agricultural Show by investing in infrastructure to enhance its annual exhibitions.

Represented by Abubakar Madaki, Chairman of Karu Local Government, Sule emphasised the need to showcase Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources effectively.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the government was implementing measures to address farmers’ challenges and improve the sector’s performance.

Mr Jafar Umar, Director General of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), highlighted the organisation’s commitment to reducing poverty, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of the agricultural economy.

He noted that NABG’s investments span the entire value chain, from inputs and equipment to export markets and consumer food manufacturing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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