By Felicia Imohimi

Veterinary doctors in Nigeria have urged all tiers of government to accord them equal recognition with medical doctors for overall well-being of the populace.

The veterinarians made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja in commemoration of the 2024 World Veterinary Day.

NAN reports that World Veterinary Day is commemorated annually on every last Saturday of April; the theme for 2024 celebration, which falls on April 27, is “Veterinarians are essential health workers.”

Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, President, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Alumni Association said that most advances in medicine were either made by veterinarians and or in collaboration with human medical doctors.

Okonkwo said that the application of veterinary science contributed not only to animal health and wellbeing but also to human’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

“Therefore, the advocacy for one’s health requires equal recognition of the roles of veterinarians and medical doctors,’’ he said.

Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu, Director of Finance of the alumni association and also the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), FCT Chapter, identified the 2024 theme as timely.

Ogbu said humans needed adequate protein for proper growth and body functions as majority of the proteins consumed daily by human were from meat and milk.

He specifically said that over 70 per cent of all infectious disease emanated from animals either through the consumption of infected meat, milk or by contact with an infected animal or animal products.

“Therefore, if there is no veterinarian on the globe, man should be in a chronic battle with over 70 per cent of the diseases that human hospitals cannot prevent.

“Diseases that have formed world pandemic over time were only nipped in the bud by the veterinarians. Such diseases are Coronavirus, Ebola virus, rabies virus, Lhasa virus, tuberculosis, avian influenzas and monkey pox virus.

“Others are brucellosis that causes miscarriage in women, fibroid in women, e-coli bacteria, typhoid bacteria, trichinellosis, anthrax bacteria, fungi infections, hepatitis among others.

“Veterinarians are trained on how to vaccinate live animals against these infectious disease, how to treat an infected animals and how to screen, examine, quarantine and condemn infected animal meat,” he said.

The veterinarian, however, encouraged government at all levels to engage the services of veterinary doctors in abattoirs in all local government areas across the country.

According to him, such services will provide access to wholesome meat and milk products by people in remote and rural communities.

NAN reports that the World Veterinary Day was initiated by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 as an annual celebration of veterinary profession.

The commemoration is to highlight and promote the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians across the globe.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Vivian Emoni

The Nigeria and Japan governments on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on enhancement of rice seed production system and diagnostic capacity in Nigeria.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, signed the MoU on Exchange of Notes and Records of discussion on the enhancement of rice seed production and diagnostic capacity projects, in Abuja.

Bagudu said that Japan had achieved a lot in the agricultural sector, especially in rice seed production and technology.

According to him, the government of Japan ensures that small scale holder farmers are supported to produce and generate more from their land.

He said that in Nigeria also, our major objective is to include everyone so that those small scale holder farmers particularly the family-based can do better.

“In spite Japan’s leading achievement in technology and mechanisation, the country was able to maintain a land holding system in it’s agriculture.

“The Japanese have helped us with seeds in agriculture, also in technology, but I believe that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is also trying their best to support small scale farmers.

“Equally, agriculture is science, meaning that, seed is at the foundation of transformation in agriculture.

“There are many of our farmers who have inherited rice production across the country. They are Oyo, Ebonyi, Taraba states, in fact they are everywhere in all parts of Nigeria.

“The one tragic thing is that most of them are using the incorrect seed. Seeds that have not been preserved properly,” he said.

Rice seeds

The minister said that the support of the farmers by the Japanese government would increase productivity, thereby, reducing deflation in the country .

He said that the support was also very significant and would enhance development and reduce hardship in the country.

He thanked the Japanese government for its effort to improve agriculture and health sectors of the country.

Bagudu said that the support on the diagnostic capacity project would improve the Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and be of benefit to Nigeria.

“I was glad when the representative of the NCDC introduced herself as the implementing agency.

” This is because typically, we have struggled with these issues that a lot of donors or development partners are hesitant to make our institutions implementing partners.

“So, supporting us and recognising one of our institutions as competent is a big endeavour.

“We believe the institution is competent. We know our capacity but this is an additional recognition that we value as we are recognised, mandated and entrusted with the ability to implement the support and so, we thank you.

“I am honored today to confirm that the government of Nigeria has accordingly agreed to sign this exchange of record of this discussion.

Earlier, the Japan Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, said his country would continue to be committed in working hand in hand with Nigeria to achieve the goal and create more resilient.

Kazuyoshi said that the Japan and Nigeria governments have a long history of partnership in various sectors.

He said that the signing of the MoU was a testament for both countries to continue being committed in improving the lives of citizens.

“So, I am confident that no matter what challenges lie ahead, the steadfast collaboration between Nigeria and Japan will enable us to overcome any obstacle.

The ambassador said that the Japan government had supported Nigeria to tackle infection diseases in the health sector.

“The aim of the project is to help Nigeria to detect and respond to infectious diseases by establishing a state of art biosafety laboratory within the NCDC.

He said that the project was not only significant to Nigeria but to the entire African continent.

He said that the partnership between the two countries extended to agriculture sector, adding that the Japan government was making efforts to ensure that it enhances productivity, food security among others in Nigeria.

He said that 40 per cent of sesame seed consumed in Japan were sourced from Nigeria and about 50 million of Japan population enjoyed the sesame seeds.

“These sesame seeds’ oil product is one of the best selling items in Japan. These facts demonstrate the high quality of Nigeria agriculture products,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Abigael Joshua

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Thursday to promote food security nationwide through the 50×2030 survey initiative.

The thrust of the 50×2030 survey workshop, organised by the ACReSAL project in collaboration with the World Bank, focused on bridging agricultural data gaps and promoting evidence-informed decision-making.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said the 50×2030 Initiative, led by the World Bank and FAO, aims to develop a fit-for-purpose, integrated, and financially sustainable agricultural survey programme.

He said the initiative will address the country’s data needs and foster a culture of data use for decision-making.

“50×2030 Initiative is a World Bank and FAO led global agriculture and climate statistics programme working in minimising data gap.

“And building national statistics systems and promoting evidence -informed agriculture in 50 low, lower-middle and middle-income countries around the world by the year 2030.

“In Nigeria, 50×2030 Initiative will work closely with the ACReSAL team, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in designing and implementing climate and agriculture focused survey programme in 36 states and FCT,” Lawal said.

He said the survey will incorporate an ACReSAL specific module to track progress and inform decisions.

“Data from the survey programme will inform national programming and policies in the agriculture sector and will inform climate change policies,” the Minister said.

Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of the ACReSAL Project said that indeed 50×2030 is an initiative of the World Bank for 50 countries in the world, who are members of the Bank.

“The initiative is to provide strength and capacity for those nations to enable them capture and gather reliable data from the agriculture site, in other words to ensure food security in the nation.The project will reach out to 36 states and the FCT,” Umar said.

Vinay Vutukuru, Social Development Leader, World Bank said that the project would address the impacts of climate change and food insecurity in Nigeria through data-smart agriculture.

Mr Koffy Dominque, FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS said that 50×2030 Survey is aimed at bridging the agricultural data gap.

Dominque said it will also build strong national data systems that will produce and use high quality, timely agricultural survey data in Nigeria.

Dominque who was represented by Tofiq Braimah, said that FAO is committed to continue this effort to make sure adequate capacity is built at national level to sustain the production of agricultural statistics in Nigeria.

“This effort will be designed in such a way that National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will be in the driving seat of this data production to ensure that technical assistance provided in this 50×2030 initiative is sustained.

“With this collaboration, data on core agricultural variables as well as income and labour productivity, production methods and environment as well as use of machineries and equipment will be collected to regularly avail data on agriculture.

“Once again, FAO in collaboration with the World Bank team, is on board to assist the NBS and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in implementing the 50×2030 approach to have an annual agricultural survey in Nigeria for the next five years,” he said.

Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security said that the initiative would unlock the potentials of the agriculture sector and foster economic growth.

Abdullahi who was represented by Mr Oshadiya Olanipekun, Director, Lands and Climate Management Services in the ministry said that food security is imminent in the country through the use of data-smart agriculture.

Mr Yemi Adeniran, Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS said that the launch of the initiative marks the beginning of the significant partnership between ACReSAL and NBS.

Adeniran said this would facilitate the production of agriculture and climate related data in Nigeria till 2030.

“Data and evidence are very key to development solutions across the world. Data enables government and development partners to formulate policies to address development challenges,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Talatu Maiwada

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has commenced the training of 1850 youths across the country under its 2024 Sustainable Agricultural Development Training Scheme (SADTS).

Mallam Abubakar Nuhu-Fikpo, Director General NDE, disclosed this at the inaugural ceremony of 50 beneficiaries from Adamawa for the 2024 SADTS on Thursday, in Yola.

Represented by Mrs Pwa-Amgulma Josia, Head of Human Resources NDE, Adamawa, Nuhu-Fikpo said the programme was geared towards creating employment opportunities for Nigerians in the agricultural sector.

He said the scheme under the Rural Empowerment Promotion (REP) Department aimed at promoting modern agriculture as business for citizens, was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

“We are here to flag-off the training of 1850 participants under the 2024 SADTS, the prospective participants are drawn from the local government and senatorial districts of the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

“The aim of the training is to create employment for the rural communities through training on modern innovative agricultural technology.

“Others are, to expose unemployed youths to the potential in exotic vegetable crops and livestock production farming business, improve livelihood of the rural people and reduce rural-urban migration.

Nuhu-Fikpo encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and acquire the needed skills that would enable them set up their agribusiness and succeed as agripreneurs.

Ms Beatrice Oruoyehu, Deputy Director Rural Empowerment Promotion (REP) Dept, said the scheme was in line with the presidential priority to reform the economy and boost agriculture in achieving food security.

Represented by Mallam Farouk Farouk, REP Department NDE, Oruoyehu stated that the three months agricultural business training duration would be in two phases, which includes;

“Two weeks experiment training (theory) in crop and livestock production along its value chain and ten weeks practical field adaptive training at NDE Agricultural Training Center(ASTC) or states with alternative centres,” she said.

Oruoyehu urged trainees to be diligent saying only participants who successfully completes the training would be considered for facilities to establish their choice agricbusinesses.

Zinant Ahmed, an ex-beneficiary of the 2022 SADTS and an agriprenuer in livestock production, said the training she acquired helped her grow her business and has created jobs for people in her community .

Gadafi Adamu, a prospective trainee for 2024 SADTS, appreciated NDE for the opportunity, saying the skills would boost his knowledege and enable him succeed as a farmer and a job creator. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Abigael Joshua

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has started a field-level training programme for officials of Agro-Climatic Resilience in the Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) in selected states.

The training focuses on land preparation using the Delfino plough.

Mrs Jane Ozuruoke, the Communication Specialist for ACReSAL, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Delfino plough is a technological innovation that makes large, half-moon-shaped furrows in which one can immediately sow and plant.

“Recognising the critical role of land preparation in restoration efforts, FAO is delivering capacity-building sessions on land preparation techniques with the use of Delfino plough.

“FAO will also conduct a train-the-trainer programme for selected states on the operation and maintenance of Delfino plough.

“Under the ACReSAL project, FAO is spearheading initiatives to enhance the project’s technical team’s proficiency in land preparation techniques, with a key focus on introducing the state-of-the-art Delfino plough for optimised processes.

“This initiative represents a significant advancement towards the sustainable restoration and management of large landscapes in the region.’’

According to her, the Delfino plough functionality includes deep penetration into hard soil, facilitating its overturning and the creation of holes for water harvesting with great potential for improving soil regeneration and agricultural productivity.

She said the ACReSAL project, which was FAO’s Technical Assistance to Nigeria, would be implemented in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria and the FCT as well as the 11 Great Green Wall frontline states.

“The Technical Assistance is deploying optimum use of the large accumulation of relevant experience on technical aspects of landscape restoration and innovative methodologies,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) says post-harvest solutions are key for catalysing poverty reduction and economic growth.

Mrs Dede Ekoue, IFAD Nigeria Country Director, spoke  at the ongoing”1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition” in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is “Scaling Appropriate Postharvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security.’’

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), among others

Ekoue said the conference’s theme underscored the critical role that appropriate post-harvest solutions played in achieving sustainable food production, ensuring food security and addressing nutrition challenges.

She said it was estimated that the country lost N3.5 trillion annually due to post harvest losses.

Ekoue said that smallholder farmers as mostly affected  by the challenge.

She, however, said that IFAD was jointly financing transformative projects in line with the National Food System Transformation Pathways in contribution to the reduction of post-harvest losses.

Ekoue identified some of the projects as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).

“These projects ensure access to finance by small-scale farmers and cooperatives for investment in post-harvest facilities and equipment, establishment of collective/community-based processing and storage centers with appropriate equipment including digital equipment.

“Training farmers on post-harvest handling and storage skills including timing of harvest, crop drying, moisture management and safe storage and upgrading of grain drying equipment

“Support to the formation and implementation of national agricultural strategies and food systems policies that promote, enhanced government’s investments and multi-stakeholder’s cooperation for the reduction of post-harvest losses,” he said.

The country director said IFAD and the Federal Government, through the FMAFS had launched new Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) 2024 to 2029.

She said the gesture aligned with the transformation strategies of Presidential Emergency Declaration on the country’s Food Security.

According to her, the new cooperation strategy will scale up investments and deepen stakeholders’ partnership to further reduce post-harvest losses for more inclusive and sustainable food system.

She assured that the organisation would leverage the potential of NSPRI in achieving the strategic objective.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NSPRI is one of the research institutes under the supervision of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in FMAFSl.

It is mandated to carry out research into bulk storage problems of export commodities and local food crops.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Maureen Okon

Some experts in the agricultural sector have suggested ways to tackle postharvest losses to enhance food security in the country.

The experts spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 1st Postharvest Connect Conference and Exhibition, which ended in Abuja on Saturday.

The conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute with the support of  International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other donor agencies with the European Union.

It had the theme ‘Scaling Appropriate Postharvest Solution for Sustainable food and Nutrition Security’.

Mrs Omolara Adewola of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, said that working together was key to addressing postharvest losses which starts from land preparation to the consumers.

“A lot has been brought up at the conference and we noticed that everybody is working in isolation.

“There’s need to come together so that we will not repeat the same thing in different ways and experience losses.

“We need to come together, meaning the whole value chain of agricultural products must be harmonised to cut down on the postharvest losses we experience, where we have the farmers, processors, marketers and the consumers as well.

“This will help in making the right production and reduce our postharvest losses starting from the beginning of land preparation to the final stage which are the consumers,’’ she said.

Mr Ofon Udofia, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Institute of Export Operations and Management said that for the postharvest losses to be addressed, bankers ought to be involved in the entire agricultural food chain.

“This is a laudable initiative that does not only connect postharvest losses but also connection for further businesses.

“What we found out was that the bankers were telling us that the trait in sponsoring agri-business was the challenge.

“I tend to defer from that, if there is no experiment you will not have result, so the banks should not feel unconcerned.

“If you go to other countries like Tanzania and Kenya, the bankers are equally involved by going to the farm to assist farmers, because export business is a business that has to do with a lot of knowledge.

“ The farmers might not be knowledgeable enough but the bankers should be like their financial doctor that tells them what they needed to do to save the entire process,’’ he said.

Dr Robert Chakanda, Executive Director, Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency, said to address postharvest losses the quality of seeds must be given attention.

“It is important that we put our ideas together on how we conduct our seeds issue, because seed is the foundation of every agricultural activity.

“When we talk about postharvest losses, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is the crop for the table consumption part, we easily forget about the genesis of agriculture, which is seed.

“Planting rice in Sierra Leone or cassava in Nigeria, you have to start thinking about the planting material which you grow, harvest and prepare for the farmers to sow.

“That is where the seed content comes and you have to be very careful because seeds are a highly scientific material for agriculture to happen,’’ he said.

Prof. Johnson Onyibe of Ahmadu Bello University, said that the National Agriculture and Innovation Transformation Plan has provided a lot of room for those who want to go into the agricultural sector.

”It is now that government has opened the doors and say commercialise this sector, it is no longer the era of hoes and cutlass, we should be talking about mechanised and digital system and so on.

“Also, this mechanisation and digital system should be extended to postharvest,” Onyibe said.

According to him, there has been some improvements in reducing postharvest losses in the country.

“In the current document it is saying that we have about 40 to 50 per cent of losses through postharvest losses.

“In the past, our former document says it is 60 per cent, which means there have been some improvement.

“Nigerians may not have taken note, it may look like things are getting bad, but it is not that bad looking at the improvement from 60 to 50 per cent,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for improved investment by government and private organisations in the area of technology and infrastructure to enhance post-harvest management in the country.

They made the call on Friday in Abuja at the ongoing “1st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition.”

The theme of the conference is “Scaling Appropriate Post-harvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security.”

The stakeholders said that the measure would guarantee food and nutrition security, income generation and make the nation an agricultural hub in the world.

Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said more investments were required in post-harvest management to transform the food system in alignment with the challenges of small holder farmers in Africa.

Kanangire in his paper entitled, “Scaling Appropriate Post-harvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security,” said addressing post-harvest challenge would make huge impact in commercialisation, improve climate resilience among farmers.

According to him, Nigeria loses a lot of revenues due to post-harvest challenges.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa; we take one step forward in productivity and take two steps backward in post-harvest management, ” he said.

Represented by Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, a Senior Official in AATF, Kanangire further recommended that research institutes and investors should strengthen post-harvest management technology transfer delivery processes to reach small holder farmers with technological support.

According to him, any technological innovations should consider the plight of farmers with regards to finances.

“So, there must be reduction in cost for affordability of small holder farmers,” he said.

Dr Alfred Dixon, Chairman, Governing Board, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), said boosting post-harvest solutions not only enhanced food availability but also ensured that nutritious food reached those who needed it most.

Dixon, who is also the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)Country Representative in Sierra Leone, said  Nigeria was facing challenges relating to post-harvest and food security.

He emphasised that through appropriate practices like scaling post-harvest solutions, tangible difference would be made in the lives of individuals and families.

“Sustainable postharvest practices not only help in reducing food losses but also contribute to the overall well-being of communities by ensuring access to nutritious food.

“Our efforts in promoting such practices are crucial in driving positive change and fostering resilience within Nigerian communities,” he said.

Dixon said the conference served as a light of hope to inspire others to join hands in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

Dr Simon Ehui, Director General, IITA, said through collaborations post-harvest management could be revolutionalised, reduce food and waste as  well as promote equitable access to nutritious food for all.

Jones, represented by Dr Beatrice Aoghewi, Head of Station, Abuja, quoted the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as saying that Sub-Saharan Africa experienced 20 per cent of food loss.

Dr Godwin Atser, Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Foundation said curtailing post-harvest could make Nigeria food secured nation.

Atser assured that the organisation would continue to support initiatives geared towards making the nation food secured and enhance wealth in agricultural production.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other stakeholders (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Felicia Imohimi

Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security (FMAF) has called for effective collaboration of agricultural research institutes across the country to ensure lasting solution to post-harvest losses.

Abdullahi made the call at the 1^st Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition on Thursday in Abuja organised by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) among others

The theme of the conference is “Scaling Appropriate Postharvest Solutions for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security”

The minister identified the conference as a significant milestone towards “our collective aspiration to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time in the post-harvest ecosystem”.

He said at the moment post-harvest losses in the country were estimated to range between five per cent and 20 per cent of grains.

He said that others included 20 per cent for fish and 50 per cent to 60 per cent for tubers, fruits and vegetables.

The minister, however, identified reduction pf post-harvest as a critical component of ensuring future food security, wealth creation for the citizens.

Abdullahi urged researchers among other experts at the conference to come up with latest state-of-the-art information on existing post-harvest interventions in the country.

“We must network with relevant stakeholders to actualise digitisation of agricultural technological interventions, linking markets, services  and people.

“I enjoined you to work with the ministry zero reject committee for appropriate standards of our fresh and processed foods.

“Capacity building for productive Integrated Agricultural Research for Development  (IAR4D) in post-harvest management among various actors in Nigeria is the best way to go.

“Scaling of post-harvest innovations requires productive alliance that rides on strengths of key actors, ” he said.

Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director, NSPRI, decried post-harvest losses in cereals, which accounted for 17 per cent to 20 per cent while root and tubers account for 35 to 40 per cent.

According to him, that is why no matter any seed we produce, fertilisers and herbicide we distribute in production system if we don’t strengthen the market end of this value chain is effort in futility, “(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola