By Mercy Omoike

The Cowpea and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (C&BFPMAN) has highlighted high harvest yields among others as the reasons for the drop in the price of the produce in the country.

The President of C&BFPMAN and some traders disclosed the reasons for the price drop in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

NAN reports that as of the second and third quarters of 2024, the price of beans increased astronomically to between N210,000 and N240,000 for 100kg as against N90,000 it was being sold in 2023.

However, from the first quarter of 2025, the produce witnessed a steady decline in its price.

A bag of 100kg currently sells between N80,000 and N120,000 depending on the species.

Speaking on the reasons for the drop in the price of the produce, Mr Kabir Shuaibu, C&BFPMAN President, said the increased harvest from the cultivation is the reason for the drop in price.

“We are glad the price of beans and cowpeas in general has dropped since the harvest from last year. We harvested over 10 times what we usually harvested in the past years.

“The main reason for the drop in price is the increase we got from our cultivation. This implies that with increased supply of the produce, the prices will drop.

“The reason for the hike in the price of beans last year was due to the poor harvest in the previous year.

“You can imagine a farmer who planted in a hectare of land and expecting 10,000 bags of beans but was only able to harvest and could only get a few bags due to flooding.

“The situation of beans hike we witnessed last year was one we had not experienced in the sector for the past 10 years. We hope it does not recur,” Shuaibu said.

He noted that in the most recent harvest of beans and cowpeas, a hectare of land produced triple of its usual harvest of 10,000 bags, hence the crash in the price of the produce.

“Another reason for the surplus in the harvest of beans this year is that farmers did not take chances. While cultivating corn, they also planted beans and cowpeas along the rows, hence the increased harvest and subsequent drop in price of the produce.

“Currently, a bag beans up North costs between N80,000 and N120,000 depending on the species you are buying. As of this time last year, due to the poor harvests, the same bag sold between N210,000 and N240,000.

“We do hope for continued increased harvest in the sector as it benefits both the farmers and the consumers,” he told NAN.

A wholesaler, Mrs Esther Umeileka, the Managing Director of Fresh2Home Ltd., Lagos, attributed the price drop to increased yield and less infestation of the produce as was witnessed in the previous year.

“Last year, there was a case of insect/weevils’ attack which affected the produce.

“So, this year, we have a lot of produce that crashed high prices. Also, we have adjusted to government policies.

“Another reason for the drop in the price of beans is that this year the yield from the harvests is quite high,” Umeileka said.

Another beans trader at Oyingbo Market, known as Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said patronage for the produce has increased since the drop in its price.

“With the hike in the price of the produce last year, it was not easy for our customers. They just  price and walk away.

“But now, everybody seems to be able to afford beans for their families again, as the price has dropped to about N6,000 to N7,000 for a paint bucket as against N13,000 to N14,000 that was sold last year,” Ahmed said.

Also, Mrs Tonia Sanwo, a consumer, expressed her joy at the drop in the price of beans which she described as an essential staple in her home.

“Last year, the price of beans was really on the high side, we were buying a small derica cup for as high as N2,000 to N2,500.

“We are really glad the price has dropped, the same quantity now sells between N800 and N1,000 depending on the species.

“We never thought the price of beans would drop from what we experienced last year,” Sanwo said.

Also speaking, Mrs Favour Braye, a civil servant, confirmed the drop in the price of the produce.

Braye attributed the development to easy access to farms which resulted to increased yields.

“The price of beans has really dropped in comparison to the prices last year.

“The farmers complained that insecurity on their farms resulted in poor yields the previous year.

“However, with ease of access to their farms, the price of beans has dropped and we are all happy about it. More people can now afford beans as it is a common staple in Nigerians homes,” Braye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Ahmed Kaigama

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has announced a N45 billion investment to upgrade the state-owned Fertiliser Blending Plant.

He said this during the inauguration of the 2025 fertiliser distribution exercise at Dajin Duguri Community in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

Mohammed said the project is being implemented through a strategic partnership with the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP) Group of Morocco.

He said the upgraded facility was designed with a 45 tonnes per hour production capacity, to enhance farmer access to the commodity.

“As part of the government’s ongoing agricultural support, 20 tractors have already been distributed to farmers across the 20 Local government areas, with an additional 40 tractors procured this year to be provided on a loan scheme,” he said.

Mohammed said the NPK brand of the fertilisers would be sold to the farmers at subsidised rate for the 2025 cropping season.

He said the state government also conducted an extensive soil testing to equip farmers with the most suitable fertilisers and crop varieties for their specific zones.

The governor urged the youths to embrace farming, stressing that his administration would roll out initiatives to encourage growth of agribusinesses.

Mohammed said that his administration also approved a two-day off work for civil servants, to enable them to practice farming activities.

He commended the civil servants for ensuring full repayment of farm input loans they accessed during the 2024 cropping season.

Dr Iliyasu Gital, the Commissioner for Agriculture, reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensure timely distribution of affordable fertilisers to the farmers.

Represented by Bala Lukshi, Commissioner for Livestock Development, Gital said the state government in collaboration with the Federal Government, trained 1,000 youths in modern farm skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editted by Abdulfatai Beki/Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Usman Aliyu

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) says it has begun the nursing of 40,000 cashew seedlings in Edo.

This is part of its nationwide initiative to lift smallholder farmers out of poverty and increase national cashew output.

NCAN’s President, Dr Joseph Ajanaku, disclosed this at the commencement of the project in Auchi and Omuora, Edo.

Ajanaku, represented by Mr Mohammed Kabir, National Financial Secretary, NCAN, said the effort was aimed at scaling Nigeria’s cashew production from 580,000 metric tonnes to two million metric tonnes annually.

He said the initiative was in partnership with Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), an initiative funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

According to him, the move is strategic for job creation and economic revitalisation.

“We are cultivating about one million cashew seedlings in nurseries across the country.

“The 40,000 seedlings in Edo are part of this larger plan. Just three weeks ago, I was in Kogi where we raised 20,000 seedlings and last week in Markudi for another 20, 000,” he said.

The president said the initiative spanned 21 states with fertile land for large-scale cashew cultivation.

The initiative, he asserted, had already seen the successful nurturing of 300,000 seedlings across Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Edo, and Enugu.

“This project is not just about trees, it’s about people. Cashew has the potential to inject billions of dollars into the Nigerian economy if stakeholders support it.

“We want to meet our target in the next five years and make Nigeria the highest producer of cashew in the world,” Ajanaku said.

The NCAN president emphasised the socio-economic potential of the cashew value chain.

“This exercise can curb anti-social behaviours and drastically reduce poverty. Cashew is a veritable source of income for farmers, especially youth and women.

“It offers long-term financial security with minimal maintenance once established,” he said.

He, however, appealed to government and development partners to key into the project’s vision.

“We’re seeking support to scale this impact. This is not a political programme. It’s a clear economic solution.

“Edo State is currently the highest producer of cashew in Nigeria, and our cashew ranks among the best in quality globally,” he noted.

He also urged residents of the state to plant cashew on any available land space.

“Don’t wait for large farms; cashew can grow in small plots and bring big income. Let’s utilise our land for something profitable,” he said.

In his remark, Mr Osas Ojeikere, Chairman, Edo Chapter of NCAN, hailed Ajanaku for what he described as “a morale-boosting leadership style that keeps the vision alive across all states.”

Mr Isaac Ikharo, a cashew farmer and entrepreneur in Omuora, praised President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that such agricultural initiatives resonate with the Federal Government’s development drive.

“President Tinubu’s agenda is working. We have seen a renewed focus on agriculture and it’s time for us farmers to seize this opportunity to multiply our cashew yields,” Ikharo said.

Ikharo urged other farmers to seize the opportunity to multiply their cashew yields.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edo is one of the first seven states participating in the ongoing cashew planting project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Uche Anunne

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, on Saturday, in Abuja, organised a ‘Colloquium on Agriculture’ and an Endowment Fund Launching of the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day epochal event, which drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond, had the theme: “Food and the Nation’.

Speaking at the historic national event, Abubakar expressed gratitude to Allah for making it possible for everyone to gather and emphasised his unwavering commitment to development, particularly in agriculture.

The Etsu Nupe also aligned his foundation’s objectives with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing living standards, and fostering national development.

He further commended partnerships between Silicon Valley Nigeria, NYSC, and the Niger Government on agricultural projects, highlighting the potential for transformative initiatives in the sector.

Abubakar emphasised the importance of empowering youths through skills acquisition and employment opportunities, citing the NYSC’s SAED programme as a vital initiative.

On Niger’s development, the erudite and prolific traditional ruler expressed hope that the state’s development success would serve as a benchmark for replication across the country.

Abubakar underscored his dedication to the growth and prosperity of his people, particularly in the areas of agriculture and youths empowerment.

According to him, his foundation’s initiatives aim to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and economic development.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Col. Sani Bello, represented by retired Brig.-Gen. Tunde Ogbeha, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Etsu Nupe, the Bida Emirate Council, and the entire Nupe Kingdom.

The elder statesman highlighted his dual connection to Abubukar, citing both a personal relationship and a professional partnership through his company, Mainstream Energy Solution.

Bello praised the Etsu Nupe’s dynamic leadership, extolling his relentless pursuit of his people’s welfare and establishment of developmental programmes.

Bello further commended Abubakar’s result-oriented approach, which had yielded significant benefits for the kingdom.

He also assured the Etsu Nupe of his continued support, stating that he would remain an integral part of the Bida Emirate’s developmental initiatives.

Bello sought for tremendous foundation, emphasising its potential to benefit the less-privileged and provide opportunities for the youths.

The chairman of the occasion also highlighted the foundation’s productive nature, which aims to provide food security not only to the Nupe Kingdom or Niger but also to Nigeria as a whole.

He encouraged collective participation in the foundation’s endeavours, underscoring its potential to drive positive change.

Bello opined, “This colloquium cannot come at a better time than now when Nigeria is in dire need of plausible solutions to the seemingly increasing food insecurity.

“Therefore, the Etsu Nupe deserves a pat on the back for being part of the solutions to this formidable challenge, hence bolstering Nigeria’s food security.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Sylvester Thompson

World Food Prize Foundation has named Dr Jean Tignegre, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Regional Representative for West Africa, as one of the recipients of 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneer (TAP).

This is contained in a press statement issued by Mr Alex Abutu, AATF Communication Officer for West and Central Africa, on Friday in Abuja.

Abutu said the TAP recognition honours global leaders who are advancing innovation in agriculture and food security.

Tignegre is Project Manager of the Pod Borer-Resistant (PBR) Cowpea initiative.

Abutu said the TAP award was introduced as part of the Foundation’s 39th anniversary and recognises 39 outstanding individuals from 27 countries who were driving agricultural innovation and transforming global food systems.

“Tignegre and fellow honourees will be celebrated at the prestigious Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in October 2025.

“A globally respected plant breeder with over 30 years of experience in legume and vegetable improvement, Tignegre has made significant contributions to agricultural development across West Africa.

“He previously served as Principal Investigator for the Burkina Faso component of the PBR Cowpea Project before assuming full leadership of the initiative at AATF in 2023,’’ Abutu said.

He said under Tignegre’s guidance, the PBR Cowpea project delivered high-yielding, pest-resistant cowpea varieties that reduced losses and improved livelihoods for farmers in Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.

He also helped steer Burkina Faso through the regulatory process for environmental approval.

Abutu said Tignegre’s recognition as a TAP awardee reflected his commitment to innovation, food security, and farmer empowerment.

He said among other achievements, Tignegre led the team that released four high-yielding cowpea varieties in Burkina Faso, improved onion, tomato, shallot, okra, and African eggplant varieties in Mali and Ghana.

He also secured and managed competitive grants from USAID, and the Generation Challenge Programme, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) on Friday empowered 60 small scale women farmers and people with special needs on sack farming and home gardening with farm tools and seedlings.

The Permanent Secretary, FMAFS, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this during a one-day workshop and sensitisation programme for selected women across the South-West Zone in Ibadan.

Represented by the FMAFS South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Temitayo Alao, Ogunbiyi said that sack farming and home gardening innovative approaches could revolutionise food production level in Nigeria.

He noted that the method required minimal space, making it ideal for urban and rural dwellers alike.

“By adopting this practice, people will not only improve household food security but also contribute to the nation’s food sufficiency.

“Women are the backbone of our agricultural sector and their participation is essential to our success. Similarly, we recognise the importance of inclusivity of people with special needs.

“With passion and dedication toward sack farming and home gardening, we can build a sovereign agricultural nation, where we plant what we eat and eat what we plant,” he said.

Also, the Director of Special Duties, FMAFS, Mrs Zara Kachallah, said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s commitment to promoting inclusive agricultural development.

Kachallah added that the training was in line with the Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s pet project: “Every Home a Garden” and Renewed Hope Initiative for Women Agricultural Support Programme aimed at empowering rural women and people with special needs with essential skills.

The workshop facilitator, Dr Perpetual Iyere-Usiahon, described sustainable home gardening as an eco-friendly farming approach that promotes food security and biodiversity while preserving the environment and natural resources.

“The approach benefits both the environment and the individuals involved by providing fresh produce, fostering a connection with nature, and reducing reliance on external resources,” she said.

Similarly, the State Director, FMAFS, Mr Oluwatoyin Adefesobi, said the workshop was another means deployed by the ministry to empower rural women across various communities.

Adefesobi emphasised the potential of home gardening and sack farming to improve food security, empower marginalised groups and transform the nation’s agricultural landscape.

A participant, Mrs Kehinde Babalola from Ogun State, said the workshop had exposed her to improved and innovative ways of getting bumper harvest from home gardening and sack farming.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants drawn from each six states in the South-West Zone also received a starter pack which contained hand shovel, seedlings and other farm tools. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma