News Agency of Nigeria
Africa’s food sovereignty tops agenda at Russia-Africa summit
Agriculture , Business , General News

Africa’s food sovereignty tops agenda at Russia-Africa summit

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Russia-Africa Summit 2023 will discuss partnership for food sovereignty, strategies to realise the potential and how Russia can help Africa develop its agricultural infrastructure.

Mr Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, in a statement released on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, said the federation would discuss ways to establish its production on the continent.

Ozerov said though the issue was related to food security but it would be discussed within the framework of both the political summit and the Economic and Humanitarian forum.

“Russia is a supplier of products that ensure food security: grains, fertilisers and their components.

“This issue is becoming more and more acute. According to the latest UN report, the number of hungry people in Africa is growing.

“But, during the summit, we will also discuss establishing our own production on the continent, and African countries would like to receive agricultural technology and equipment from Russia,” he said.

He said Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions in the world in terms of food security, despite agriculture employing more than 60 per cent of its labour force and contributing about a third of the continents GDP.

“Experts estimate that 60 per cent of Africa’s fertile land is underutilised.

“The only way to solve this problem is to achieve food sovereignty. This is a realistic possibility due to the continent’s immense agricultural potential,” he said.

The Integrated Security and Sovereign Development block of the business programme of the Second Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian forum will hold the panel session on food sovereignty.

The session which will start on July 27 at 9.00 a.m. has its title as “Russia and Africa: Partnership for Food Sovereignty.”

The Second Russia–Africa Summit and Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian forum, which will hold from July 27 to 28, is being organised by the Roscongress Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Salif Atojoko

Africa’s food sovereignty tops agenda at Russia-Africa Summit
Agriculture , Economy/Business

Africa’s food sovereignty tops agenda at Russia-Africa Summit

 

By Emmanuella Anokam

 

The Russia-Africa Summit 2023 will discuss partnership for food sovereignty, strategies to realise the potential and how Russia can help Africa develop its agricultural infrastructure.

Mr Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, in a statement released on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, said the federation would discuss ways to establish its production on the continent.

Ozerov said though the issue was related to food security but it would be discussed within the framework of both the political summit and the Economic and Humanitarian forum.

“Russia is a supplier of products that ensure food security: grains, fertilisers and their components.

“This issue is becoming more and more acute. According to the latest UN report, the number of hungry people in Africa is growing.

“But, during the summit, we will also discuss establishing our own production on the continent, and African countries would like to receive agricultural technology and equipment from Russia,” he said.

He said Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions in the world in terms of food security, despite agriculture employing more than 60 per cent of its labour force and contributing about a third of the continents GDP.

“Experts estimate that 60 per cent of Africa’s fertile land is underutilised.

“The only way to solve this problem is to achieve food sovereignty. This is a realistic possibility due to the continent’s immense agricultural potential,” he said.

The Integrated Security and Sovereign Development block of the business programme of the Second Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian forum will hold the panel session on food sovereignty.

The session which will start on July 27 at 9.00 a.m. has its title as “Russia and Africa: Partnership for Food Sovereignty.”

The Second Russia–Africa Summit and Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian forum, which will hold from July 27 to 28 , is being organised by the Roscongress Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Indicate new warning signs or be sanctioned, group tells tobacco firms
Food Security

Indicate new warning signs or be sanctioned, group tells tobacco firms

By Abigael Joshua

The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has warned tobacco companies in the country that it would push for their sanction if they fail to indicate the new anti-smoking warnings on their products.

Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, the chairman of the alliance said this on Monday in Abuja at a news conference on the implementation of graphic health warnings on tobacco products.

“The current approved warning by the Federal Ministry of Health shows a graphic image of a tobacco user with mouth cancer, with the text warning ‘smoking causes mouth cancer’.

“The profit-centered tobacco industry is foot dragging to weaken this policy.

“This is because it knows that graphic health warnings reduce the number of people who start smoking, just as it encourages current smokers to quit.

“We thereby urge the Federal Ministry of Health, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, (SON) Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that the new health warnings are implemented,” Oluwafemi said.

He said regulation is is contained in Article 11 of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and in our local laws.

“Section 20 of the National Tobacco Control Act, (NTC Act)2015 Nigeria requires manufacturers, importers, and distributors of tobacco products to ensure that their products carry full coloured graphic health warnings.

“This should cover 50 per cent of the principal display area.

“Similarly, that the approved graphic photo must clearly show the health implications of tobacco use and exposure,” he said.

The chairman said the law anticipated that the shock value of the warnings would begin to wane after two years, saying this is why the warnings are required to be rotated every two year.

“Section 20 (3) of the NTC Act stipulates that graphic health warnings must be changed after an initial period no later than 24 months to new graphic warnings and messages prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Health.

“The first set of warnings, a contrast image of healthy lungs and diseased lungs of a smoker was issued on June 23, 2021, and expired on June 22, 2023.

“It is now one month since the warnings expired, and as an alliance we alerted our members in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Ebonyi, Kano and Lagos states to monitor compliance with the second phase of the warnings,” he said.

The chairman said that it was unfortunate that findings showed that compliance was at zero per cent.

Oluwafemi said that tobacco use is a major public health concern and is a major leading death cause in the world.

“It is responsible for more than eight million deaths each year and if current tread continues death rate is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

“In Nigeria there is a growing concern about the use of tobacco, especially the use of shisha, and several products entering our country particularly amongst the youths.

“The introduction of graphic health warnings on tobacco products is an effective way to reduce tobacco use and its associated harms.

“Several studies have shown that graphic health warnings are more effective than text only warnings,”he said.

Oluwafemi said that graphic health warnings are important “because we have some illiterates who cannot read or right in English language but can view pictures.”

Mrs Hilda Ochefu, a member of Campaign for Tobacco-free kids, said that everybody is at risk of second hand smoke generated from tobacco smokers.

“The tobacco fight is about our country and our children. We want to make sure that our children are protected while also protecting ourselves.

“We call on SON, ministry of health and the Consumer Protection Council to wade into the issue of non-compliance by tobacco companies because it is of multi-sectorial concern,” Ochefu appealed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NTCA is a network of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), and several professionals.

It is concerned with human rights, public health, cancer, and tobacco control with a view to ensuring qualitative health; sustainable human development; and good governance for all Nigerians. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=======

Edited by Uche Anunne

Anthrax: FCTA begins mass vaccination of cattle to curb spread
Agriculture

Anthrax: FCTA begins mass vaccination of cattle to curb spread

By Philip Yatai

The Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, began a four-week mass vaccination of cattle to curb the spread of Anthrax in the FCT.

The acting Secretary of the secretariat, Alhaji Ishaq Sadeeq, inaugurated the exercise in Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.

According to him, the mass vaccination exercise is targeting at least one million cattle across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Sadeeq explained that the move became necessary following the confirmation of the disease in Suleja, Niger, one of the neighbouring states of the federal capital.

He thanked the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, for approving the purchase of one million doses of the vaccine, which scientists have identified as the most effective way of preventing the disease.

He said that the vaccination exercise, which would last four weeks, would be carried out simultaneously across the 62 wards of the six Area Councils of the FCT.

He explained that the exercise was part of the FCT Administration’s proactiveness and readiness to combat the disease.

“The FCT Administration had since the announcement of the outbreak in Ghana earlier this year, carried out a series of outreach campaigns to sensitise residents, particularly livestock owners and butchers, about Anthrax disease.

“The sensitisation was to avail them with the knowledge of signs and symptoms, as well as effective measures they can adopt to protect themselves and their animals from contracting and spreading the disease,” he said.

He appealed for the co-operation of livestock owners with the veterinary health workers, to ensure the success of the exercise.

He equally advised livestock owners against selling or slaughtering any animal with visible symptoms of the disease, and report suspected cases to any of the FCT Veterinary Clinics.

“While our veterinary personnel have been put on alert to attend to any emergency cases, we will be working closely with the Health and Human Services Secretariat to attend to human cases involving livestock owners,” he added.

The Director of Veterinary Services, FCT, Dr Regina Adulugba, described Anthrax as a “fatal disease” to both animal and humans, which can be contracted through open wounds, airborne and from consuming infected animals.

Adulugba said, “the best protection against the disease is vaccinating the animals and that is what we are here to do.

“It is deadly because it is zoonotic. Zoonotic means it can affect human and it can affect animals. So, it is dangerous, and it spreads by too many means.

“If you have a wounded skin, it can affect the wound and then infect the person, or it can spread even through the air, or it can spread from consumption of meat.

“That is why we advised them not to slaughter any sick animal for now. If an animal is sick, they should allow it to die and then we see if it is positive.

“It is safer for them as cattle owners, their children and their families, because it can affect human and it is very deadly in human as it is deadly in animals.”

On his part, Malam Yahaya Isa, Chairman, Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), FCT Chapter, commended the FCTA for the proactive step.

Isa, who is also the Deputy National Secretary of the association, said that the move would not only protect livestock against the disease, but also save investment and human lives.

He commended the FCTA for being the first to take such a proactive step in the country to prevent further spread of the disease.

“The entire Fulani herders’ community are happy and are fully prepared to comply with arrangement.

“Our people are ready to cooperate with the officials everywhere. We have even mobilised in each area council, some group of youths to back them up wherever they are going,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Anthrax: FCTA begins mass vaccination of cattle to curb spread
Agriculture

Anthrax: FCTA begins mass vaccination of cattle to curb spread

By Philip Yatai

The Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, began a four-week mass vaccination of cattle to curb the spread of Anthrax in the FCT.

The acting Secretary of the secretariat, Alhaji Ishaq Sadeeq, inaugurated the exercise in Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.

According to him, the mass vaccination exercise is targeting at least one million cattle across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Sadeeq explained that the move became necessary following the confirmation of the disease in Suleja, Niger, one of the neighbouring states of the federal capital.

He thanked the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, for approving the purchase of one million doses of the vaccine, which scientists have identified as the most effective way of preventing the disease.

He said that the vaccination exercise, which would last four weeks, would be carried out simultaneously across the 62 wards of the six Area Councils of the FCT.

He explained that the exercise was part of the FCT Administration’s proactiveness and readiness to combat the disease.

“The FCT Administration had since the announcement of the outbreak in Ghana earlier this year, carried out a series of outreach campaigns to sensitise residents, particularly livestock owners and butchers, about Anthrax disease.

“The sensitisation was to avail them with the knowledge of signs and symptoms, as well as effective measures they can adopt to protect themselves and their animals from contracting and spreading the disease,” he said.

He appealed for the co-operation of livestock owners with the veterinary health workers, to ensure the success of the exercise.

He equally advised livestock owners against selling or slaughtering any animal with visible symptoms of the disease, and report suspected cases to any of the FCT Veterinary Clinics.

“While our veterinary personnel have been put on alert to attend to any emergency cases, we will be working closely with the Health and Human Services Secretariat to attend to human cases involving livestock owners,” he added.

The Director of Veterinary Services, FCT, Dr Regina Adulugba, described Anthrax as a “fatal disease” to both animal and humans, which can be contracted through open wounds, airborne and from consuming infected animals.

Adulugba said, “the best protection against the disease is vaccinating the animals and that is what we are here to do.

“It is deadly because it is zoonotic. Zoonotic means it can affect human and it can affect animals. So, it is dangerous, and it spreads by too many means.

“If you have a wounded skin, it can affect the wound and then infect the person, or it can spread even through the air, or it can spread from consumption of meat.

“That is why we advised them not to slaughter any sick animal for now.  If an animal is sick, they should allow it to die and then we see if it is positive.

“It is safer for them as cattle owners, their children and their families, because it can affect human and it is very deadly in human as it is deadly in animals.”

On his part, Malam Yahaya Isa, Chairman, Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), FCT Chapter, commended the FCTA for the proactive step.

Isa, who is also the Deputy National Secretary of the association, said that the move would not only protect livestock against the disease, but also save investment and human lives.

He commended the FCTA for being the first to take such a proactive step in the country to prevent further spread of the disease.

“The entire Fulani herders’ community are happy and are fully prepared to comply with arrangement.

“Our people are ready to cooperate with the officials everywhere. We have even mobilised in each area council, some group of youths to back them up wherever they are going,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

GM crops reduce pesticide application, save money – NABDA
Agriculture , Science & Tech

GM crops reduce pesticide application, save money – NABDA

By Bukola Adewumi

The National Agricultural Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has advised farmers to cultivate Genetically Modified (GM) crops to reduce the use of pesticides and save production cost.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, NABDA Director-General, disclosed this at a biotechnology and biosafety sensitization workshop for senior editors of national media outlets in Abuja on Friday.

He said many farmers who planted GM beans seed on their farms had recorded significant drop in the number of times they sprayed chemicals to control pests.

“Already, we have testimonies from farmers across the country who are benefiting from products of modern biotechnology in the country.

“This includes the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, which is helping farmers overcome the devastating impacts of marcuca vitrata that causes 80 per cent destruction on the farmers’ field.

“Today, our farmers are applying only 2 insecticide sprays as against between 8 and 10 sprays previously as a result of planting the PBR Cowpea.

“Our farmers are also planting Bt. Cotton, another innovative product from modern biotechnology, that is changing the game in cotton farming, and the hope of the textile industry revival is on course,” Mustapha said.

The director-general said the workshop was aimed at enlightening the editors on new trends in biotechnology, in line with the Federal Government’s determination to improve the agricultural sector of the economy.

“Biotechnology is a transformative force that holds immense potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria and the world at large.

“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.

“As editors, you play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. The power of media in shaping narratives and public perception cannot be overstated.

“Hence, your role in communicating agricultural biotechnology to the masses is crucial for fostering understanding, dialogue, and informed decision-making”, he said.

Dr Rose Gidado, the agency’s Director, Agricultural Biotechnology, said editors were selected to add value to general reportage on biotechnology and biosafety.

“We have to bring in the editors to educate them because most times we deal with reporters and sometimes the reporters may not get what they want after their stories have been edited by the editors. So the editors too need to understand this technology,” she said.

Mr Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, the Nation Newspaper, said his perception about biotechnology crops changed after attending the workshop.

“I came here with bias; I have never been a believer in biotechnology products. I used to see biotech experts as tempting God, but I have a different perception now.

“If we want to increase our yield, then we should look the biotechnology direction,”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aim of the sensitization workshop was to provide accurate and up to date information about advances in the agricultural biotechnology sector since its adoption in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===============
Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/Vincent Obi

NIHORT alerts farmers on outbreak of okra new virus disease
Agriculture

NIHORT alerts farmers on outbreak of okra new virus disease

By Suleiman Shehu

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT)  said it had detected a new virus disease attacking Okra plants across Nigeria.

This is made known in a statement issued by NIHORT management and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

The institute said that reports were being received from farmers across Nigeria concerning the new and uncommon virus-like symptoms on okra farms leading to rapid disease outbreak resulting in more than 70 per cent loss of okra plants in certain situations.

The management said that observation by multidisciplinary team from NIHORT on ad hoc visits to okra farms, revealed an unusual symptom in okra consisting of leaf curl associated with enations or outgrowths.

They are distinct from the usual leaf curl and/or vein yellowing symptoms known with virus-infected okra plants.

The statement also said that, high population of aphids and leafhoppers were observed on the leaves of okra plants in farms that were inspected.

“This epidemic has assumed a nationwide occurrence, having been reported in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos (South west) and Niger states.

“Farmers should look out for the symptoms of the new virus disease: high population of aphids and leafhoppers (vectors); and initial expression of small pin-head enations or outgrowths on the under surface of okra leaves.

“This is followed by a warty and rough texture of leaves, with leaves curling upwards while affected plants show a twisting of the necrotic leaves becoming thick and leathery,” the management said.

The institute said that the curling and enations were more prevalent on leaves that developed, soon after infection than in later leaves, and okra plants were severely stunted with small fruits mostly deformed, which made it unfit for marketing.

The management said that the institute was on the alert to curtail the outbreak in view of the devastating and negative economic impact on okra farmers nationwide.

The management said that the institute wanted the numerous stakeholders across the country to be aware of this potential threat to okra production.

“NIHORT feels it is expedient to keep farmers abreast of this development and the associated symptoms expression of this new virus attack, especially the farmers that are yet to experience the occurrence of these insect pests.

“Meanwhile, the palliative or interim control measure that could be adopted to contain these evasive vectors is spraying the okra farm(s) with synthetic insecticide at 20ml/15lt of water weekly under severe infestations,” the statement said.

The management said that research was being intensified on developing a sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package to arrest the new virus epidemic attacking okra production. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Lagos fishing community gets solar-powered cold room
Agriculture , Community

Lagos fishing community gets solar-powered cold room

 

 

Lagos fishing community gets solar-powered cold room
By Raji Rasak
The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Thursday handed over a solar-powered cold room to people in Sagbokoji fishing community of Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sagbokoji community is an Island comprising over 30,000 persons in Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos, opposite Tin-Can Island.
Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, the National Coordinator, GEF-SGP UNDP, said the project was to support the women in the riverine area who formerly used charcoal and firewood to preserve their fishing produce.
“When Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) came to our office and submitted proposal that they wanted to build the cold room, we supported them with 50,000 Dollars to build and install it.
“At UNDP, Small Grants Programme, what we do is to support any initiative that is related to the environment,” she said.
The national coordinator said that with the project, the use of firewood and charcoal would be reduced in the community.
“Before, their produce used to get rotten or spoilt due to lack of good preservation, but with this solar-powered cold room, this will impact positively on their fishing businesses.
“The good thing about the project is that it uses solar energy with battery storage and not grid electricity, so throughout the day, the solar system will power the freezing hub and charge the battery energy storage” she said.
The Baale of Sogbakoji fishing community, Chief Avime Anthony, addressing fish sellers and members of the community during the handing over of the cold room on Thursday.

 

Olubamise said UNDP Small Grants Programme had worked in over 200 communities and  supported them with over 170 projects in Nigeria communities.
Also, speaking on the project, Dr Daniel Adeuyi, the Chairman, Nigeria Energy Forum, said the programme concept was developed in 2018, focusing on how to explore sustainable energy service to coastal communities.
Adeuyi said the project was named Innovative Climate-Smart Processor for Sustainable Fisheries in Coastal Community.
“We started with survey of three riverine communities in Lagos which include Makoko sea food market, Sagbokoji and Langbasa communities.
“We finally selected this community because of their warm reception and cooperation with our members and we started the project.
“It took us 18 months before completion, and the project will now assist the community in reducing spoilage across the fish value chain from catch to market.
“The cold room is enough to contain all the fishing produce of the area, so the community women who are into seafood processing business will experience increased productivity and the fishermen will experience reduced losses” he said.
Chief Avime Anthony, the Baale of Sagbokoji fishing community, said the community was happy with the project.
He thanked GEF-SGP UNDP and NEF for installing the project in their area, promising that they would make adequate use of the facility.
Mrs Jiselle Azankpo, the leader of Fish Sellers Association, said the project would enhance their productivity.
She said that with the project, the fear of their fishes and crayfish getting spoilt or rotten had become a thing of the past.
Azankpo promised that the association would maintain the coldroom and ensure it was well used.
Mr David Atodjinou, General Secretary, Sagbokoji community, urged them to extend the project to other communities in the coastal areas.
NAN reports that the project was achieved through the collaborative effort of UNDP GEF-SGP, NEF and Jinko Solar Limited. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chidinma Agu/Oluwole Sogunle
Stakeholders task farmers on ways to boost agribusiness
Agriculture

Stakeholders task farmers on ways to boost agribusiness

By Olayinka Olawale

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have charged farmers to embrace sustainable certification for agribusiness to build more resilient, profitable and sustainable ventures.

They also urged the Federal Government to develop a food safety framework to improve agriculture sustainability certification in the country.

They stated this at the maiden edition of Nigeria Sustainable Agriculture Conference organised by FutuX Agri-consult, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Mr Olarenwaju Babatunde, Lead Strategist/Founder FutuX Agri-consult, Lagos, said that by adopting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria, farmers would help to improve food security.

Babatunde said that when farmers adopt sustainable practices, they are more likely to produce higher yields, which can help to increase their income and food security.

He listed some of the reasons why sustainable certification is important for the country to include improve productivity of agricultural sector, protect the environment and improve the lives of farmers and workers.

Babatunde added that when farmers use sustainable practices, they are less likely to pollute the soil, water, and air and can help to preserve the natural resources and biodiversity elements for future generations.

The convener said that when farmers are paid a fair price for their products, they are more likely to be able to provide for their families and live in decent conditions.

“In addition, sustainable certifications can also help to improve the image of Nigerian agriculture.

“By demonstrating that Nigerian farmers are committed to sustainability, we can attract new markets and boost our export earnings.

“Nigeria is a major agricultural producer, with rich agricultural heritage; with a wide variety of crops and livestock.

“Our land is fertile, our climate is diverse, and we have a long history of producing food for ourselves and for the world, and our farmers are some of the most hardworking and dedicated people in the world.

“But despite all of these advantages, our agricultural sector is facing a number of challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, inaccessible markets, land and environmental degradation.

“One of our biggest challenges is still climate change. Climate change is already having a negative impact on our agricultural production.

“We are seeing more frequent droughts, floods, irregular rainfall patterns and pest infestations.

“This is a big concern, and we need to think critically about how we can meet our present needs without compromising the needs of the future,” he said.

Babatunde said that to address these challenges, farmers must embrace sustainable agriculture certification to increase market access and profits.

“This is where sustainability comes into play. Sustainable agriculture is a way of farming that protects the environment and ensures that farmers can continue to produce food for generations to come.

“Sustainable certification is a process that ensures that agricultural products are produced in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable.

“It can play a vital role in helping our agricultural sector to thrive as it offers a way for Nigerian agribusinesses to build more resilient, profitable, and sustainable ventures.

“By adopting sustainable practices, farmers can reduce their environmental impact, improve their production practices and yields, and increase their market access and profits.

“And by verifying this process through a third-party system, a sustainable certification can be obtained and leveraged upon to access premium markets and earn higher prices for our agricultural produce,” he added.

He urged the government to give tax holiday to agribusiness owners and food processors to encourage sustainability.

Mr Kamaldeen Raji, the Managing Director, AFEX Commodity Exchange Group, said that sustainable certification would help to improve the image of Nigerian agriculture in international community by demonstrating that farmers are committed to sustainability and standards.

Raji added that by adopting sustainable practices, farmers can reduce their environmental impact, improve their production practices and yields, and increase their market access and profits.

“We have seen our farmers labour for many years and but getting any value for their service, he said.

Also, Mrs Olusola Sowemimo, the Founder, Ope Farms, Ogun State, said that there was a lot that the government can do to support organic farmers as being done to the conventional practice.

“Food from sustainable agriculture can heal so many diseases, so many infections, so it’s something that they need to support to boost food production.

“Food security would be better boosted if sustainable agriculture is a key part of it, knowledge is key,” Sowemimo said.

Mr Samson Ogbole, the Team Lead, Soulless Farm, Ogun State, urged farmers to embrace standards to prevent their farm produce from being rejected abroad.

Ogbole also urged certification bodies to be more accessible and educate farmers on the benefits and importance of sustainable certification for agribusiness.

“This conference would educate farmers on how to go about their farming activities. It is a very interesting experience for farmers,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

FG, UN seek holistic approach to ensuring food security
Agriculture

FG, UN seek holistic approach to ensuring food security

By Fortune Abang

The Federal Government and the United Nations have called for a holistic approach to achieving sustainable food chain in Nigeria.
The call was made at the Pre-food systems stock-taking moments media engagement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event was jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (FMFBNP), and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC).
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Nebeolisa Anako, in an address described food system as the most complicated stomach infrastructure with issues.
He said a food system entailed complex networks that include input and output of food production processes and consumption.
According to him, food system is also about the food value chain.
Anako said, “this is because the food produced through farming needed to pass through some stages before it goes to the stomach.
“The food system problem has been on transportation of food from the farm, getting the seedlings to plant, to the time we plant.
“Down to the table to managing the waste; our effort is to reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.
“When you lack food you cannot leave nutrition aside of food, it is about eating healthy food that will give human capita and healthy population.
“We want to drastically reduce food importation and promote sustainable food trade as a country and we are getting there, this is a project that concerns all of us.”
Also Speaking, Mr Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent-Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), said the call became important for stakeholders in Africa to ensure food security.
Umakhihe who was represented by Mrs Sugrah Mahmood, Director in-charge of Nutrition and Food Safety in the ministry, spoke on: “Ensuring sustainable food system in Nigeria, challenges and prospects.”
Umakhihe said:  “As we are all aware, our country is facing severe crisis in line with the recent declaration on state of emergency on food security and water by President Bola Tinubu.
“The declaration demands our utmost intention and collective efforts to address the perceived challenges, and explore the prospects of sustainable food security in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is blessed with vast agricultural resources, yet we grapple with persistent food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger.
“The challenges we face are multifaceted, but by identifying and addressing these issues we can pave the way for a most sustainable food future.”
In his remark, the Director of UNIC, Ronald Kayanja, who spoke on: “Expectations on Food System Stock-taking Moments” commended Nigeria’s efforts toward ensuring food security.
He described Nigeria as a very important country in the world and Africa.
According to him, it is the biggest country in the continent, in terms of population.
He said it was in everybody’s interest to have a vibrant Nigeria and agriculture is the core of the economy.
“Everybody in Nigeria needs to mobilise to ensure food security after the president’s declaration of emergency in the food sector.
“The progress and success in Nigeria is immeasurable on what can be done, but there are challenges that must be tackled, irrespective of the land size,” Kayanja said.
Highpoint of the event was overview of Nigeria’s implementation and preparation for stock-taking moment, remarks by UN bodies, as well as questions and answer sessions. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Emmanuel Yashim
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