By Polycarp Auta

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched a five-year National Strategy on Potato.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Jos, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, said that the strategy would run from 2023 to 2028.

Represented by Mr Abdullahi Abubakar, the Director, Department of Agriculture of the ministry, Umakhihe said that the move was timely, following President Tinubu’s recent directive on the intensification of crop production.

The permanent secretary said that the move would usher in an era of productive competitiveness in the Nigerian potato industry.

He explained that the essence of the strategy was aimed at ensuring sustainable food and nutrition security in the country

Umakhihe added that the move also aimed at catalysing the rapid transformation of the Nigerian potato sector into a commercially viable sub-sector of the agricultural value chains into a major export product.

”Our goal is to stimulate economic growth through various agricultural value chain activities, thereby creating employment opportunities and improved livelihoods for our teeming youths and women.

”Let me assure you that food and nutrition security is a priority for the ministry and we are committed to achieving it.

”The ministry is embarking on massive production, processing, value addition and product development to be the bedrock for driving our industries.

” I have no doubt that the Nigerian Potato industry has the potential to become globally competitive given the country’s strong comparative advantage in production,”he said

The permanent secretary maintained that potato could be commercially grown in twelve states, adding that it holds well for the activities of many stakeholders.

He said government is aware of the challenges farmers are currently facing, adding that modalities have been adopted towards addressing them.

”The ministry is aware of the challenges in the agricultural sector, nevertheless I assure that necessary measures are taken to address them accordingly.

” Proactive initiatives, such as this National Potato Strategy creates avenue for inclusive collaborations to chart the way forward.

”I am optimistic this potato strategy document would be a springboard for the realisation of Nigeria’s aspiration to achieve food and nutrition security,”he added.

The permanent secretary thanked GIZ, a German organisation for supporting the initiative.

He explained that it is supporting the national strategy through its global programmes, Green Innovation Centres for the Agriculture and Food Sector-Nigeria (GIAE), and the International Potato Centre (CIP) Nairobi, Kenya.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Olayinka Olawale
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday flagged off the distribution of food items for 500,000 vulnerable households in the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Speaking during the exercise at the Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said that the strategic goal of the programme was to reach vulnerable households in the state with staple food items, using two methodologies.

He said that under the category one, groups would receive bulk food items including 50kg rice, 50kg  Garri and 100kg of  beans.

He said that category two, individual vulnerable households would receive food boxes which consist of 10kg rice, 5kg garri and 5kg Beans.

“I stand before you all today, deeply aware of the challenges that many Lagosians have been facing with regards to the sharp increases in transportation cost and the prices of essential food items across the state as a direct effect of the policy on the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

“As a responsive government, we announced a number of measures aimed at ameliorating the effect of the policy on our people, most especially the vulnerable.

“These palliative measures which are already being implemented includes a 50 per cent reduction in transportation cost in the government-owned bus system and free health services for pregnant women in government hospitals among others.

“One of the measures which we announced and being formally flagged off today is the distribution of food items for vulnerable households through the Lagos Food Bank Programme.

“The strategic goal of this programme is to reach 500,000 vulnerable households in the state with staple food items using two methodologies – bulk and individual.

“Bulk food items include (50kg Rice, 50kg Garri and 100kg Beans) for groups, and food boxes (10kg Rice, 5kg Garri, and 5kg Beans) for individual vulnerable households,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that to ensure transparency in the implementation of this intervention, a monitoring committee would be constituted.

According to him, members of the committee would be drawn from religious groups, trade unions, people with disabilities, civil society/non-governmental organisations, youth groups, community development councils and representatives of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said that distribution would be done in phases  among the various beneficiary groups for ease of the process.

The governor noted that in line with this plan, each group would be duly informed of the date for collection.

“Overall, this initiative will directly impact 500,000 benefitting households, over 2,500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises involved in bag manufacturing, food aggregation, packaging, and logistics, while over 25,000 employees of the MSMEs will be indirectly impacted.

“I will like to use this opportunity to solicit for the support of well-meaning and public spirited individuals and organisations for this programme so that more of our people in need of this intervention can be reached.

“Be rest assured that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure that all items received get to the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

The governor said that his administration acknowledges  the economic challenges experienced  at this time.

According to him, the policies being implemented by the federal government are difficult but necessary measures that must be taken to reposition our economy on the path of sustainable development and prosperity for all citizens.

“I am, therefore, appealing for the continued understanding of all Lagosians with the assurance that we will do everything within our capacity to implement measures that will cushion this temporary pain.

“We will continue to initiate programmes and projects that will uplift our people and provide quality living conditions to all.

Some of the beneficiaries commended the governor for the support to reduce the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

Mrs Josephine Babalola, Vice Chairperson, People Living with Disabilities, Lagos State Chapter, thanked the governor for his continuous support to the physically challenged in the state.

Alhaji Anifat-Amosa Babaniji, an Islamic cleric, lauded the government,  urging it to do more in alleviating  the economy hardship in the state.

“I am very happy about it because it will go a long way for the less privileged  people.

“The impact of fuel subsidy is being felt by everyone in general. So, this is a welcome development.

“When this palliatives goe round, people will be relieved a little bit from  the policy,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of 18 groups received their food palliatives.

They include Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), religious groups  and physically challenged group. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Felicia Imohimi

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), has appealed to the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security to work towards improved animal healthcare delivery in the country.

Dr Oluwatoyin Adetuberu, President of the association made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

She said that such measure would guarantee food security in the country.

Speaking on the backdrop of NVMA expectations from the ministers, she specifically appealed to them to employ more veterinarians in the sector.

Adefuberu described the measure as key to ensuring improved animal healthcare delivery and boost food security.

The president identified dearth of manpower in the veterinary industry as a lingering challenge to effective veterinary services in Nigeria.

“Employment of more veterinary doctors into the animal health sector will lead to improved animal healthcare thereby boosting the nation’s food security.

“The more healthy animals we have, the more food security that is guaranteed, ” she said.

Adefuberu pledged the commitment of the association to work harmoniously with the ministers to move the animal sector to greater height. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Joseph Edeh

By Patricia Amogu

Dr Farouk Mudi, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said the newly unveiled AGRIVEST Reality TV Challenge Platform will create more than 10 million jobs in five years.

Mudi stated this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AFAN, TINGO mobile, and the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigeria (ADAN) and the unveiling of the reality TV show.

Reality TV shows are television programmes in which ordinary people are continuously filmed, designed to be entertaining rather than informative.

According to the AFAN president, the Agrivest Reality TV Challenge Show is a comprehensive Agribusiness Training, Advocacy, and Mentoring Programme delivered on an entertainment platform but designed and intended to promote self-sufficiency in food production in Nigeria as well as explore the business opportunities in the sector.

“We are certain that this project will indeed bring about a positive change to the agriculture industry and the communities within.

“I implore farmers and our members across the country to leverage this positive trend to promote and tap into it, and to improve upon the production and supply of agricultural and other agro-related goods and services.

“Our objective is to stimulate, create awareness, and redirect the attention of the youthful population of Nigeria to the tremendous potentials and opportunities in agriculture using entertainment as a delivery channel, ” he said.

Mudi pointed out that the reality show would create a scenario whereby the youth would be educated and entertained through a competitive process.

He said that in addition to the millions of jobs and wealth that would be created for those engaged, the resurgence of the sector would help the country guarantee food security and reduce poverty.

The AFAN president maintained that the project is designed and intended “to build a country where sustainable agriculture will be the bedrock and core foundation of our collective and thriving economy and means of livelihood leveraging on our human and material resources and connecting with rural smallholder farmers to cultivate ideas for sustainable growth.”

He stated that as the Nigerian population continues to grow, the revival and sustainability of the sector will become even more critical.

Also speaking at the event, Auwal Maude, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TINGO Mobile, one of the partners in the project, and Africa’s leading Agri-Fintech company, said he was certain that the show would bring about a positive change in the agriculture industry and the communities within.

Maude said that the company is out to transform rural farming communities to connect through its proprietary platform to meet their complete needs through the use of smartphones and GSM technology to enable subscribers and farmers to converge on the marketplace.

“We offer this service within and outside of the agricultural sector to manage their commercial activities of growing and selling their produce in the market both domestically and internationally,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to create an environment conducive for agri-business to thrive and make it more attractive to the youth.

“We urge the government to create an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive and make it more attractive for youths because agriculture goes beyond farming,” he said.

On his part, Dr Emmanuel Abuhson, member of the team urged Nigerian youths to see agriculture from a business and marketing perspective.

Abuhson said that Nigeria is capable of feeding not only Africa but the world at large given the country’s huge potential in agriculture.

He observed that a wide gap exists between farming and getting the farm yield or products to the consumers which the reality show seeks to bridge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says President Bola Tinubu is very passionate about reducing the cost of fertiliser for Nigerian farmers to ensure the attainment of food security.

Shettima stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting with Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) and the Federal Government, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

The stakeholders at the meeting also includes the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting focused on the 33,000 metric tonnes of Potash donated to the Federal Government by Russia’s Uralchem Group and UN Partners.

NAN recalled that during the last Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia, in July, the Federal Government delegation met with the leadership of Uralchem Group and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The meeting centred on the donation of a consignment of 33,000 metric tonnes of potash.

Shettima said “our goal is to serve the Nigerian people as President Tinubu is very passionate about reducing the cost of fertilisers for the Nigerian public.

“No strings attached, no vested interest and the President will be happy if the price of fertilisers collapses by 50 per cent after this exercise.”

The vice president stated that Tinubu gives high premium to achieving the agenda of food security in the country.

“This accounts for the declaration of the state of emergency in food security sector by the Tinubu administration in July.

“We have many challenges with food security. However, we are lucky because President Tinubu is very empathetic and passionate about achieving food sufficiency in the country.”

He stressed on the seriousness attached to the donation and distribution of potash from Uralchem Group.

“There has to be transparency, equity and fairness in the distribution for the reason that the end beneficiaries are the Nigerian farmers and their leadership is seated here.”

Shettima assured the stakeholders that “there will be transparency. We are going to use our own blenders and the beneficiaries have to be the Nigerian people.”

Shettima said NEMA, World Food Programme (WFP) and AFEX, a commodity exchange firm, have the data base and other requirements that will assist the government in reaching out to farmers.

This, according to him, will be carried out in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security driving the process.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe; Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, and President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Malam Kabir Ibrahim.

Others are; President, Fertilisers Producers And Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Sadiq Kassim; the Country Director of World Food Programme, Kucro Jawed, and representatives of National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Sylvester Thompson

The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) says it is committed to boosting agricultural productivity in the country.

This is contained in statement signed by Toyin Omozuwa ,Press Secretary to Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, NABDA, and made available to the press in Abuja on Friday.

“Through innovative approaches and cutting-edge biotechnology solutions, NABDA is spearheading efforts aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving crop yields and ensuring food self-sufficiency for the nation.

“Africa’s foremost biotechnology development agency, NABDA, carries out well-focused research and development in biotechnology, in priority areas of agriculture, health, industry, environment among others for national development,’’ the statement read.

Omozuwa said NABDA’s commitment to harnessing biotechnology solutions for sustainable national development was yielding significant fruits, particularly at the grassroots, where there was growing appreciation of biotechnology’s capabilities to improve livelihoods.

She said NABDA is a driving force in harnessing biotechnology to improve the quality of life for Nigerians and mitigate socioeconomic impediments to development.

Following President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security,  the D-G of the agency was quoted in the statement as stating that NABDA aligned with the declaration.

Mustapha said “By harnessing the potential of biotechnology, NABDA is determined to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria and ensure a sustainable and secure food supply.

“We are already collaborating with stakeholders, farmers, and researchers to tackle these challenges head-on.’’

The statement disclosed that NABDA, together with national and international partners is already driving Nigeria’s economic growth with the commercialisation of two genetically modified crops, Bt Cotton and Bt Cowpea.

Accordingly, farmers planted and harvested the improved variety of Bt. cowpea had attested to improved yields, reduction of pests, cost efficiency resulting from near-zero use of pesticides, and enhanced livelihood.

Other transgenic crops in the pipeline of commercialisation include TELA maize, HT soybean, among several others.

The agency has also revolutionised yam seedlings production. Its target of seven million yam seedlings has largely been successful with over two million produced and distributed to farmers.

Omozuwa said NABDA is promoting the adoption of modern biotechnology practices among farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

She said through capacity-building programmes, workshops, and training sessions, NABDA empowered farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilise biotechnology tools and techniques.

“The NABDA has successfully introduced biotechnology techniques to improve livestock breeding and management.

“`By leveraging the power of biotechnology, NABDA has facilitated the production of healthier and more productive livestock, leading to increased meat and dairy production in Nigeria.

“In addition, NABDA is working towards a reduction in food waste through improved food processing, packaging and preservation techniques through biotechnology,” she said.

The statement assured that the agency’s ongoing efforts in biotechnology research and development, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building programmes would continue promote sustainable farming practices, and foster economic growth. (NAN)

Edited by Hajara Leman/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Olayinka Olawale

The Lagos State Coordinating Office, Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Support (APPEALS), has called for synergy among financial institutions, insurance companies, farmers and off-takers in the state.

Mrs Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo, Lagos State Project Coordinator, APPEALS, made the plea on Thursday in Lagos at a joint forum of financial institutions, insurance companies, off-takers, stakeholders and beneficiaries.

The forum which was organised by the Lagos APPEALS Project in its Oko-Oba, Agege office, was to deliberate on sustainability of the project.

Speaking during the stakeholders’ forum, Sagoe-Oviebo, said that synergy among all agricultural stakeholders would promote productivity in the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was attended by representatives of financial institutions, insurance companies, farmers and off-takers in different agricultural value chains, specifically rice, poultry and aquaculture.

Sagoe-Oviebo urged the financial institutions and insurance companies to assist and support farmers with necessary funds to remain in business, just as she implored the farmers to be prudent and good managers of all resources.

“Today, we are having a meeting of our service providers – banks and insurance companies so they can interface with us and our cluster heads because that is the bedrock of the APPEALS project.

“The APPEALS is in the middle and we have all these people by our side.

“Last week, the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) came to my office that they wanted to support one cluster out of the many cluster groups that we have in APPEALS.

“I asked them to come and see what our farmers are doing here.

“I felt that there was the need for us to collaborate with other institutions, not just BoA.

“How can we work together to make sure that our farmers remain in business?

“The government alone can’t make it happen, it has to be a collective effort.

“We all have to determine amongst ourselves that we must make this thing happen. If all of us can work together, then our farmers will remain in business,” she said.

Sagoe-Oviebo noted that the APPEALS project had established 15 aggregation centres across the state in three value chains – poultry, aquaculture and rice.

“That is one thing that can trigger production. If the aggregation centres work, then farmers will definitely have every reason to produce.

“But we all know what is happening in the Industry today, so how can the Bank of Industry (BoI), how can the Bank of Agriculture help our farmers?.

“Bank of Agriculture can come and help with inputs, BoI can support with equipment, while insurance companies will insure our farmers.

“We have the commercial banks and that is why we are working with all these people with their wealth of experience to help us and guide us, so that we don’t make mistakes.

“We have so many people here today, let’s rub minds together; the cluster heads, everybody must work together.

“The banks must understand the terrain of agriculture. When I was speaking with BoA, I told them that a lot of people do not understand Agriculture,” she said.

Mr Akeem Osho, Zonal Manager, South-West Zone, BoA, said the financial institution was ready to assist farmers with short, medium and long-terms loans at affordable rates to boost their productivity.

Mr Johnbosco Idoko, the BoI Representative, urged farmers to develop insurance cultures as a way of protecting their businesses and farms.

He advised farmers to always read through every policy document at the point of registering for any insurance cover.

“BoI does not give group loans, we give loan to only individuals and registered businesses who have met all the requirements.

“If you must take a loan, ensure that you really need it and are not just copying your friends or neighbours,” Idoko said.

Dr Olisha Mokemo, NAICOM Representative, urged farmers to embrace insurance to protect their businesses and avoid loss, adding that this minimised risk management.

Mr Bolaji Folayan, Representative of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Commission (NAIC), said that insurance was real and urged farmers to pay attention to their insurance policy and documents.

He urged the farmers to contact their insurance companies immediately after a disaster or loss occurred on their farms.

“Apart from India, Nigeria is the cheapest in agric. insurance cover.

“Call us immediately whenever there is emergency, so that we can ascertain the level of loss because any delay can be dangerous,” he said.

Mr Sejiro Oke-Tojinu, President, Lagos State Catfish and Allied Association (LASCAFAN), commended the APPEALS project for their support to farmers over the years.

“In terms of implementation, the APPEALS project has been awesome. It is one project that has really kept the farmers in business.

“We pray that the state government will continue with the project or adopt the model for other agric. programmes in Lagos, ” he said.

Some of the farmers expressed their displeasure over the services received from financial institutions and insurance companies.

They said that there was a lot of mistrust on the part of the financial institutions.

The farmers urged financial institutions to support them with market linkages, which could aid in the repayment of their loans. (NAN)

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare

By Bukola Adewumi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

A 2022 Food and Agricultural Organisation of United Nation (FAO) report estimates that 19.4 million Nigerians in 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory are at the recent of hunger

However, the Federal Government disagrees, insisting that the country is capable of meeting its food needs.

“We have enough food to take care of Nigerians. We are producing food across the country and we will continue to do so to feed Nigerians.

“The fact that some categories of food are imported by Nigeria is not an indication that we have food shortages.

“The high cost of food that we experience in the country is as a result of rising inflation, which is not peculiar to Nigeria but due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It forced many sectors of economic production to be shut down for many months”, said then minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammad Abubakar.

No matter how divided opinion about food security is, the fact remains that even in the midst of plenty food more needs to be produced to care of not only the immediate but also the future,

According to Fred Kafeero, the FAO Country Representative in Nigeria, there is need to do more if the country would conquer hunger and child malnutrition.

As populations grow, so does demand for food. Humans have adopted different technologies to meet this requirement, including progressing from subsistence to mechanised farming.

As technology evolves, one are experts say it is urgently required is in food production and they point at Genetically Modified Foods as the way forward to overcome hunger and malnutrition.

Critics of genetically engineered food say the food come with a lot of baggage including toxicity, suppression of immune system, allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, loss of nutrition, among others.

However, advocates of GM food say it presents innovation and research; provide answers to food security, are health and can create wealth and employment.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General, National Agricultural Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) allays the fears.

For instance, he said at a recent engagement, many farmers who planted genetically modified beans seed recorded significant drop in the number of times they sprayed pest control chemicals.

He said testimonies abound from farmers nationwide who are benefiting from products of modern biotechnology in the country.

He listed the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea a variety of beans, which is now helping farmers overcome the devastating impacts of marcuca vitrata that causes 80 per cent destruction on the farmers’ field.

Maruca vitrata is a major pest in the farm. The caterpillars bore into the pods and eat the seeds

“Today, our farmers are applying only two insecticide sprays as against eight and 10 sprays previously applied as a result of the PBR Cowpea seedling.

“From healthcare to agriculture, energy to environment, biotechnology offers solutions that can significantly impact on the well-being of our citizens and the sustainability of our resources”, Mustapha said.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department said science and technology would contribute in making Africa food and nutritionally secured.

According to her, they will also promote public understanding of modern developments in agriculture.

Gidado said Tela Maize, for instance, has proven to be a success in improving yields and wealth creation for famers.

Tela is a genetically modified seedling of maize that is meant to resist attacks from fall army and stem bora worms, which have ravaged maize and caused financial losses to farmers in the past.

According to her, Tela Maize gives higher yields than the conventional maize, adding that here the ordinary maize gives about 1.4 tonnes, the Tela gives about 5.6 tonnes.

“Since it yields more tonnes, it means more money for Nigerian farmers and more food for the Nation, “she said

Prof Rabiu Adamu, Principal Investigator Tela Maize, Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, said, if Tela maize is fully adopted, Nigerians farmers would harvest about seven tonnes of maize per hectare.

This he said, would be contrary to three tonnes often harvested without GM which would inadvertently address food insecurity in maize production in the country.

In addition to GMOs, the Federal Government is exploring other opportunities in science and technology to ensure that no Nigerian family went to bed hungry. (NANFeatures)