By Mercy Omoike

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State chapter, has called on government to  make necessary interventions in order to save poultry farming from imminent collapse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

PAN Lagos State Chairman, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, appreciated the government for its previous efforts in the sector but called for a quick intervention over unavailability and non-affordability of maize for feed production.

“We really appreciate the government’s contributions to the sector; they have moved the sector ahead in various aspects.

“So, we want to express our appreciation and at the same time, let them know our predicaments and the problems we face as an association.

“Due to the hardships faced in the sector, the issue of egg glut has become an annual problem that has almost become permanent as purchasing power and demand has dropped drastically.

“We appeal to government at all levels to assist this sector from total collapse; considering the importance of our industry to food security we need the government’s intervention.

“The industry is at the point of total collapse and we need the government’s help urgently.’’

According to him, poultry is a major source of protein that is affordable and very different from other sources of protein.

He said that with the increasing cost and sometimes unavailability of maize for feed, production of eggs was at stake.

“Without maize the poultry industry cannot exist, due to the high cost of maize for feed, most poultry farmers have closed shop because of the situation.

“We want the government to grant PAN at the national level the license to import maize for the survival of the sector.

“The already existing importers of maize are working against farmers, the landing cost of maize should not be above N200,000 per metric ton, but now a metric ton of maize costs about N600,000.

“The poultry sector caters for over 180 million Nigerian workforce and contributes 25 per cent to the agricultural GDP; it should not be allowed to collapse.’’

Iyiola said that the PAN was also seeking for long term solution to the problems, by addressing the issue of banditry that affected the productivity of crop (maize and soya) farmers.

“This will enable our farmers return to the farms and subsequent availability of maize and soya at the lowest cost.

“If we can get maize and soya at the lowest cost, the rising cost of poultry produce will also drop,” he said.

On his part, Mr Foluso Adams, General Secretary, PAN, Lagos, emphasised the need for government’s prompt intervention in the sector.

He said that the association was concerned over the threat to food security in the country.

“This year we calling on the government to aid the issuance of maize, Soya, and other feed components that will enable us produce affordably for all citizens.

“A lot of jobs in the sector is being threatened as so many poultry farms have closed.

“A crate of egg being sold at N2300 is way below the cost of production but due to the egg glut situation we have no choice but to sell or bury the eggs at a loss.

“In terms of the palliatives provided, poultry farmers should be included as they need help and succour this period,” Adams said.

Mrs Oluwatosin Oyetunde, PAN Chairperson, Agege chapter, called for the government’s intervention in insecurity issues in order to ease farmers’ plights.

“Feed is paramount to any livestock farming; we want the government to help us tackle the issue of insecurity so farmers can easily access their farms.

She said that if the challenge of insecurity was addressed, the cost and availability of maize would not be a problem to farmers.

“The government should come to our aid before the sector collapses.

“We are a very integral part to the success and development of the agricultural sector,” Oyetunde said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

By Mercy Omoike

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) distributed 14,633 hybrid coconut seedlings to farmers in five states on Tuesday to boost productivity.

The states that benefitted are Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, and Kogi.

The ministry explained that it carefully selected the five major coconut-producing states as beneficiaries because of their optimal production, adding that other producing states would benefit soon.

In a keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated that the coconut seedlings distribution aimed at mitigating the effect of the 2022 flooding.

He added that the event marked a significant step toward the growth and prosperity of the country’s coconut industry.

The minister was represented by Mrs Omolara Oguntuyi, Director, FMAFS, Lagos State office.

“In Nigeria, the coconut sector holds immense potential to drive economic growth, enhance food security and promote sustainability.

“The coconut value chain is among the crops being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“We envision a future where Nigeria is not only self-sufficient in coconut production but also become a global leader in the coconut industry.

“As we distribute these seedlings today, I encourage our coconut farmers to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination,” she said.

She commended the efforts of coconut farmers and urged them to push the frontiers of the sector.

“Your unwavering commitment to nurturing these palms, often under challenging circumstances, especially through the flooding period, has contributed to the economic growth and food security of our nation.

“In addition to the seedlings, government is committed to providing the necessary support, training, and provision of resources to help you to maximise your coconut farming potentials.

“Together, we will build a vibrant coconut industry that benefits farmers and enhances the livelihoods of countless Nigerians,” she added.

In his remarks, Mr Oladapo Olakulehin, General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, reiterated government’s commitment to growing the coconut sector and improving its value chain.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone in our on-going efforts to bolster agricultural production and enhance food and nutrition security in Lagos State and the entire country.

“I express our gratitude to FMAFS for its commitment to support our coconut farmers particularly in the face of flooding challenges that posed significant threats to our agriculture sector.

“We are committed to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for our coconut farmers, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring a greener, healthier, and more economically-vibrant Lagos State for all its residents.

“The distribution of improved coconut seedlings by FMAFS today is a clear testament to the positive impact of collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of our coconut farmers.

“These seedlings, tailored to thrive in our local conditions, will empower small-holder coconut farmers to increase their yields, improve the quality of their produce, and ultimately elevate their economic status,” Olakulehin said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Alli Hakeem

By Bukola Adewumi

ECOWAS has given $77,942 as training grant to 150 farmers in Bauchi State and the FCT to boost food security in Nigeria.

The beneficiaries are farmers of the Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (COMAFAS).

Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture made this known at the opening of a poultry training workshop for beneficiaries in Orozo, Abuja on Tuesday.

Toure-Litse said the grant would increase young peoples’ capacity to engage in agriculture value chains and food production.

She added that it would go toward the training of 150 youth in poultry and fisheries, adding that the two sub-sectors were the main driving force behind the sub-region’s economy and development.

ECOWAS has designed quality training modules and arranged for the training of 3,032 young people (30 per cent women and 70 per cent men), she said.

Toure-Litse said agricultural productivity and competitiveness in West Africa had the tendency to impact positively on the sub-region’s food security, economic development, and livelihoods.

According to her, the ECOWAS Agriculture Policy remains the guiding framework for the 15 members of the bloc as it prioritises agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

The programme seeks to enhance the capacity of youth and women farmers and promote their access to resources and markets and their involvement in agribusiness, she said.

She added that there was the need for urgent intervention in gender participation in agriculture and youth employment, food chains, crops, forestry, livestock and fisheries.

“Products from crops, livestock and fisheries are the second largest when we talk about intra-community trade and interestingly, among these, livestock is the largest item.

“It is anticipated that by 2030, at least 30 per cent of young people in the sub-region will be employed in the agriculture sector.

“This will amount to a 75 per cent reduction in youth under-employment in rural areas,’’ she said.

In his remarks, Dr Austine Maduka, Founder/President of COMAFAS, said in spite of the expansion of poultry industry in Nigeria, it could only cater to 30 per cent of the needs of Nigerians.

Maduka said the training aimed to educate young farmers on how best to start and manage production.

He said the partnership with ECOWAS would strengthen the move to ensure availability of meat, other foods and impact relevant skills for sustainable strategies to reduce poverty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports 75 out of the 150 beneficiaries would be trained on poultry farming in the FCT, while the remaining 75 would be trained on fish farming in Bauchi.

The FCT beneficiaries were given 50 birds each, bags of poultry feeds and drugs as start-up capital. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade/Alli Hakeem

By Polycarp Auta

The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Kuru, near Jos, has developed a new variety of potato to tackle outbreak of blight.

Dr Khaya Shuaibu, a researcher in the institute, stated this at the Green Field Day, organised for potato farmers on Monday in Bokkos.

Shuaibu said that the initiative was supported by Global Biotechnology Potato Partnership (GBPP), under its ”Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Project Nigeria.”

According to him, the new variety is blight resistant and will encourage more investments in potato value chain.

Shuaibu, who doubles as the Trial Manager of GBPP for the project, said that the move would also boost production and enable farmers’ access to better yield and income.

He further stated that the field day was aimed at sensitising farmers, extension workers and researchers on the need to embrace the new initiative.

“This event is to create avenue for farmers, agricultural extension workers and researchers to share knowledge and experiences on the interventions being demonstrated.

”It is also intended to showcase our research findings on the new variety.

“NRCRI is collaborating with national and international partners to develop this, and the choice of Plateau for this trial is because the state produces 90 per cent of the potatoes in Nigeria.

”The last outbreak of potato late blight experienced by farmers in Plateau in 2022 destroyed about 32,000 hectares of farms.

”So, the biotech potato is resistant to late blight and can produce good yield without the application of fungicide and other chemicals,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Dr Hosea Finangwai, said that the state was blessed good weather and fertile soil for production of potato in large quantity.

Finangwai, who is currently the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Plateau State University, Bokkos, said that the institution was not only equipping its students with theoretical knowledge, but the practical aspects of modern farming.

He stated that the institution was partnering with various local and international organisations to support improved yields for farmer and also enjoy dividends of their produce. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AZA/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) has called on investors and stakeholders to establish coconut processing industry across coconut producing states in the country.

Dr Nma Okoroji, National President of the association made the call on the sideline of the commemoration of the World Coconut Day, in Abuja.

The World Coconut Day is commemorated annually on September 2 and the theme for 2023 is “Sustaining the Coconut Sector for the Present and Future Generation”.

According to Okoroji, the coconut viable states are Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Yobe, Ogun, Adamawa, Niger, Taraba, Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara, Kogi, and FCT among others.

She said establishment of processing industries in the states would avail the group the opportunity to process every component of the coconut like the shell, water, coconut meat, fibrous husk and packaging same for export.

“Processing of the commodity is key because the value chain of the product is very huge, over 300,000 products can be extracted from the coconut.

“It can also be used to manufacture bags, carpet, door mats, coil, twine, rugs, cosmetics, orthopaedic foam, coconut flour, chips, organic manure for farming among others.

“The Coconut exocarp, fibrous husk, shell, oil, water, the coconut meat among others is money,” Okoroji added.

She said the group is embarking on its cardinal point tagged Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN) 2027.

Okoroji said the programme envisioned plantations of 10,000 hectres in each of the coconut viable states which entails one family to three coconut trees initiative.

“This simple, yet impactful endeavour, not only contributes to increased coconut production but also enhances biodiversity, supports soil conservation, and provides a pathway to economic empowerment.

“The initiative reflects the association’s dedication to empower families, communities, individuals and corporate bodies (Private/Public) to actively participate in the sustainable development of the coconut sector in the country.

“The “One Family, 3 Coconut Trees” initiative encourages every family to plant and nurture three coconut trees,” she said.

Okoroji said by promoting this initiative, the association aims to catalyze a grassroots movement that resonates with the ethos of sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management.

“This is because coconut is an untapped sector and investing in coconut is investing in the future generation,“ she said.
(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Razak Owolabi

By Ikenna Uwadileke

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), on Friday performed the ground breaking of its milk production factory in Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Performing the ceremony, Dr Alan Sy-Traore, Director of Agriculture in ECOWAS Commission, commended NANTS for living up to expectations in the partnership projects with the commission.

Traore said that the factory was in line with ECOWAS agricultural policy on livestock value chain.

He restated the commission’s commitment to continue to partner NANTS on trade and economic projects, that would enhance economic development in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

Earlier, the Deputy Director, Commercial Ruminant and Dairy Production, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ibilade Akeem expressed the ministry’s readiness to strengthen partnership with NANTS on meat and milk production.

According to him, the milk production factory is in line with the food security programme of the Federal Government.

The National President of NANTS, Dr Ken Ukaoha said the factory would be completed within 14 months.

He said that this would ensure the production of hygienic milk toward enhancing food security and national economic development.

Ukaoha said the need to address the challenges facing the dairy sector necessitated NANTS to construct the milk factory.

“West African region has been plagued with numerous challenges ranging from inefficiency and lack of technical expertise, deployment of obsolete practices, lack of feed, water among others.

“This includes desertification in the North as a result of climate change which has led to cattle and herders travelling far south for grazing and giving rise to conflict with farmers among others,” he said.

Ukaoha said that the situation had further devalued the capacity of the livestock and milk sector, to become attractive as a vocation for the teeming unemployed youths in the region.

“NANTS with support from ECOWAS and Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation has planned a pilot project to modernise and calibrate the milk sector and its practices.

“This is by showcasing the value chains as veritable opportunities for job creation and sustainable means of livelihoods attractive enough for youths,’’ Ukaoha said.

He said that the project would be achieved by improving the production, processing, handling, aggregation, transportation and marketing of milk in compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.

Ukaoha said the project when completed would serve as a training ground for students of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja.

He said that other relevant institutions within and around the FCT would also benefit from the project also to ensure job creation and youth empowerment.

“The ceremony of this small scale milk production and processing factory is going to serve as a model for milk sector productivity in Nigeria.

“Moreover we have extended this concept towards food production so that animal feeds can also be produced here.

“What this means is that here is going to have a facility where we will also be training young people particularly on food production processes and this is going to be on field.

“This is going to be a kind of practical demonstration,’’ Ukaoha said.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Abu Giri represented by Mr Yohanna Ishaya of Agric Department, described the project as a welcomed development in the area.

On his part, the Aguma of Giri, Alhaji Musa Wakili commended NANTS for siting the factory in his community, adding that it would provide job opportunities for the people. (NAN)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), on Wednesday, trained and empowered selected women and youths from Oyo and Ogun states on small ruminants production.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, while declaring open a two-day training and empowerment programme in Ibadan, said livestock sub-sector remained an integral part of food security and national development in Nigeria.

Umakhihe, who was represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr Deola Lordbanjou, said that women remained the cornerstone of agricultural development, considering their notable roles in agricultural activities.

According to him, women are faced with challenges emanating from culture and religion militating against their income.

“It is important for women to be supported, trained and empowered to address the challenges of gender inequality, unemployment and poverty.

“The FMAFS has thus developed training and empowerment programme on small ruminant to provide the easiest and most readily accessible agribusiness to support women in Ogun and Oyo states.

“It is expected that this will help them meet their immediate households’ socio-economic obligations,” he said.

He enjoined the beneficiaries not to sell the goats, noting that proper tracking, mentoring and monitoring mechanism had been put in place through farmers’ associations for sustainability of the project.

Also, the Coordinator of FMAFS in Ogun, Dr Patience Ayo-Ajayi, urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the training to network and build a community of small ruminant farmers.

This, she said, would help them exchange ideas, share experiences, necessary skills and insights that would help them to become successful small ruminant farmers after the training and empowerment.

In her contribution, the Coordinator of FMAFS in the Oyo State, Dr Florence Kakulu, said that the effect of the present economic situation in the country and its impact on the populace needed a strategic solution through small scale agriculture.

She said that this would reduce the burden on the livelihood and income of the farming families to enable them overcomes the challenges posed by the economic review.

Kakulu noted that empowering the capacity of women and youths in agribusiness remained a way of diversifying and transforming the economy.

In his goodwill message, Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olasunkami Olaleye, represented by Direction of Extension Services in the ministry, Mr Rasaq Marruf, thanked the federal government for expanding the project to the state.

Responding, the National Chairman, Sheep and Goats Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Salami Abimbola, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the federal government for the initiative, saying it would boost economic status of the beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 80 beneficiaries were empowered with a male goat and a female goat each as well as start-up cash for expansion after the training. (NAN)
Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Wale Sadeeq