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

By Philip Yatai

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will develop innovative strategies to enhance agricultural efficiency and productivity in the federal capital, Abuja.

The Secretary of the secretariat, Mr Lawal Geidam, stated this in Abuja, after receiving briefs from different departments in the secretariat on their operations, achievements, and challenges.

Geidam said that the secretariat would educate and equip residents, particularly the youths, with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate agriculture as a viable business.

“By imparting this knowledge, we hope to empower individuals to engage in agriculture as entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth, and creating employment opportunities in the process,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of synergy among the various departments of the secretariat to achieve the desired results.

The scribe explained that the briefs from the different departments had enabled him to have a comprehensive understanding of their roles and functions.

This, he said, would ensure effective coordination and alignment with common goals in line with the agricultural development agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

According to him, the activities of the departments are interconnected, and their collective efforts are crucial in enhancing food production.

Geidam added that the working synergy would also help in transforming the agricultural sector into a significant source of employment and wealth creation for the growing population.

The secretary pointed out that working in isolation would not lead to the desired outcomes, and stressed the need for collaboration and cooperation among the departments.

“The activities of the departments are interwoven.

“All are geared towards not only boosting food production but making the sector a viable source of job and wealth creation for our teeming population.

“We cannot achieve this in isolation, all the departments must work in synergy to achieve this objective,” he said.

While expressing satisfaction on the progress recorded by the various departments so far, Geidam assured that the challenges were surmountable.

“All we need from you as civil servants is sincerity and diligence in doing your jobs,” he said.

He equally said that he would visit all the agricultural project sites in the FCT, to assess the current state of the projects and identify areas for improvement. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Olayinka Olawale

Mr Agboola Dabiri, a former Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, has urged residents of the state to embrace urban farming.

Dabiri said this at an agriculture empowerment programme organised by members of Ajowa Community Development Association in Surulere area of Lagos state, in collaboration with Africanfarmer Mogaji, on Sunday in Lagos.

According to him, embracing urban farming will increase  and better their livelihood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the empowerment programme is titled: “Farm and Profit”.

In his lecture titled, “Global Farming without Boundaries”, Dabiri said that residents must begin to create space for farming in  homes, balconies, compounds and garages.

The ex-commissioner noted that he started agribusiness as a young boy in the university because of his passion for food production and business.

He added that agriculture was a huge value chain that included production, processing, marketing, distribution, packaging and many more.

Dabiri urged the residents to develop a passion in any of the value chains to  better their lots.

According to him, agriculture has so many areas that they can explore, adding that they can grow vegetables, tubers and also rear animals.

”I don’t know the last time I bought lemon in Abuja. What I did was, I planted seeds in an old sack and that is what I have been using in my home.

“In Masha, here in Surulere, we have the biggest fruit farmers in Lagos. They are very organised and you can also join them by simply identifying where you belong.

“Also, in Surulere, we have one of the largest ram market and I am a member, because I also rear animals.

“You have to look at where you belong and explore all the potential in agriculture. During the last Ileya festival, I sold rams and I made profits, you too can do that. Agric is very profitable.

“I buy my ram myself; rear it my self and give it to my boys to sell during festival. I have already started rearing ram against next festival.

“Residents  of Surulere must come together and see how they can promote urban farming and contribute to the food self-sufficiency of the state,” he said.

Dabiri advised the community development association and the local government council to start a Sunday market in Surulere, for residents to purchase farm produce at cheaper and affordable prices, as  well as create a market platform for farmers.

He commended the Chairman of  Ajowa CDA, Mr Tunji Adebayo, for organising empowerment programmes for members of his association.

According to him, empowering the community is a lasting legacy that will outlive anybody.

“For you as individual in the CDA or community, you have to think outside the box on how you can improve your life by leveraging agriculture.

“There is little that government can do, you must look at how to balance it. We all must try and start farming in bags or plastic containers. You can plant yams, vegetables, tomatoes, pepper and plantain.

“As great as America is, a lot of its citizens own private farms and gardens. They do that so that they can also contribute to food production and we can do that here too,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Africanfarmer Mogaji urged the people  at the local government level to embrace agriculture in order to feed the nation.

Mogaji, in his presentation titled ‘Farm and Profit’, urged people in the urban area to embrace agriculture by way of processing, marketing, distribution, packaging, haulaging and production.

He said that majority of people in the South-West zone were consumers of agricultural produce and not generating enough income from agriculture, because of lack of understanding.

“There are a lot of opportunities in agriculture that remain untapped and  people need to look beyond farming,” he said.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of food emergency is an opportunity for many agribusiness to thrive because a lot of policies will be introduced that will be beneficial to farmers.

“Partnerships and collaborations is the new agribusiness that farmers must embrace.

“Enough of criticising the government. It is time to collaborate with government to achieve great things and improve food production.

“Opportunities are enormous but farmers must know how to get it, people need to know how to tap into every government policy,” he said.

Mogaji explained that the whole essence was to embrace grassroots farming as the new norm.

“It is almost 10 years that I have been reaching out to the CDA and this is a new executive and we are continuing.

“We need to begin to groom people from grassroots into agriculture. If local government embraces  agriculture, we will feed the nation.

“They own lands; they have the people; what we need is resources. Surulere is a major area that we can leverage to distribute farm produce.

“The people farm in their rural and suburbs and we have the local government to expose these to their people,” he explained.

He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to allocate land to local governments for farming, to make them fully committed to food sustainability and self-sufficiency.

In his remarks, Mr Suleimon Bamidele, Chairman, Surulere Local Government Area, lauded  the CDA and the council’s support for continuation of the programme.

Bamidele, who was represented by Mr Abayomi Ambali, Senior Special Adviser to the Chairman on Agriculture, noted  that the council would continue to promote and support agricultural policies.

Adebayo, Chairman, Ajuwo CDA, said that the objective of the programme  was to impact on the lives of members  of the association who required employability and soft skills.

“This is the first of its kind and there are many more programmes to come, to help our people become self-reliant.

“We decided to go into agric because people need to eat and also make money and we saw the need to help our members.

“I  urge the local and state government to do more for the people by empowering them, and keep the youth away from crime and drugs,” Adebayo said. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Folasade Adeniran

By Mustapha Yauri

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria says it has obtained samples and commence investigations on the new virus disease attacking Okra plants across the country

Prof. Mohammed-Faguji Ishiyaku, Executive Director of the institute made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.

Ishiyaku said that the samples were being cultured at the institute’s laboratories with a view to identifying the real virus and insect involved in the transmission of the disease.

NAN reports that National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) had detected a new virus disease attacking Okra plants across the country resulting in more than 70 per cent loss of okra plants.

Ishiyaku said on receipt of the report, the institute sent its scientist round to assess the situation in Kaduna State and other places.

“ The disease is an epidemic because it is prevalent across the country and the immediate assessment based on our scientists’ expertise also confirmed the strange disease to be a viral infection.

“From scientific findings, such viral disease was transmitted by some insects (vectors); unfortunately unlike bacterial or fungal disease viral infections don’t have a chemical control measures,’’ he said.

The executive director said the interim solution was to spray the okra field with insecticides that would control the insects such that the disease would not spread to additional fields.

Ishiyaku however said that the fruits produced by these infected okra are healthy for consumption.

He advised the farmers to clean their fields with chemicals before the next farming season and obtain their seeds from healthy sources. (NAN)