Agriculture

Adeleke Lauds FG for Agric Sector Reforms

By Web News 355

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has commended the Federal Government for the reforms currently being embarked on in the agricultural sector with a Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee set up recently, describing it as one well-intended initiative.

Governor Adeleke gave the commendation while receiving the Presidential Livestock Reforms Initiative Committee led by Professor Attahiru Jega in his office at Abere Osun State.

Governor Adeleke expressed the readiness of his administration to support any initiative by the Federal Government that would put more food on the tables of the people of Nigeria.

“To this end, I want to earnestly declare my interest in this FG’s initiative to boost food production and very soon, I will put in place a strong committee of egg heads in the field of Agriculture, to design a good template for Osun on the best way to reform the livestock sector.”

Earlier, the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Initiative Reforms Committee and former Chairman, of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, said his team was in Osun State to sell the idea of the Committee and its overall objectives, which, if bought into reality, would benefit Osun State.

Professor Jega particularly appealed to Governor Adeleke to set up a Ministry of Livestock in Osun State or an Agency that would see to the realisation of the dream of the Federal Government to make livestock available in large quantities throughout Nigeria. 

While calling for enabling legislation through the State House of Assembly to back the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock, Professor Jega urged Governor Adeleke to engage the services of critical stakeholders in livestock in addition to creating good awareness on the immense importance of reforming the sector for the good of all Nigerians.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Agriculture

We shall engage more youths in agriculture – Oyebanji

By Web News 205

By Kazeem Ayodeji

As part of efforts to address food scarcity and boost local food production, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced plans to engage more youths in agriculture. 

Speaking during an inspection of a government warehouse in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for state governors to prioritize food security as a critical strategy to combat hunger across the nation.

He revealed that his administration has already launched the first phase of the programme which involves young farmers actively participating in crop cultivation and livestock farming across the state. 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the government would be purchasing produce directly from the young farmers and also provide them with the necessary tools and resources to cultivate crops and rear livestock.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Agriculture

Proper Care of Plants Prevents Hunger, Reduces Poverty – Don

By Web News 336

By Lanre Omotosho

Nigerians have been enjoined to always take proper care of plants in order to prevent hunger and reduce poverty.

A lecturer in the Department of Plant Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Dr. Ayoola Oluwajobi gave the advice in Ado Ekiti to commemorate this year’s International Day of Plant Health with the theme, “Plant Health, Safe Trade, Digital Technology”.

Dr. Oluwajobi emphasized that plants provide 80% food for mankind, 98% breathe in oxygen as well as taking away carbondioxide, hence the need for the proper care.
While noting that healthy plants produce food optimally, the don explained that proper watering and manure would enhance their growth.

He emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of waste, air, soil and water pollutions negatively affect the growth of plants, which would be detrimental to health of whoever consumes them.

The don stressed that heavy metal picked by plants from indiscriminate waste disposal, ate by roaming animals would automatically have health implications on human-beings who consume them.

Dr Oluwajobi, however, cautioned against inappropriate usage of agro chemicals, urging farmers to always follow manufacturers’ instructions for consumers not to pick residues from what they eat.

The United Nations, UN, had in 2022 set aside May 12 of every year as International Day of Plant Health to safeguard biodiversity and promote economic development.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Agriculture

Distribution of Rice Inputs Begins in Ogun

By Web News 584

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Bolu Owootomo has flagged off the distribution of dry season rice production inputs as well as Point Of Sales, POS systems to farmers in the state. 

The intervention, initiated by the Federal Government, Ogun State Government and IFAD – assisted Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, covered the empowerment of 230 farmers with agricultural inputs, while 40 others received the POS systems.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Owotomo said the farm inputs would support the cultivation of 50 hectares of rice farmlands as parts of measures towards promoting food security, while the POS would aid additional income and employment generation to expand the rural economy.

In a remark, the National Programme Coordinator, IFAD/VCDP, Mrs Fatima Aliu, who spoke through an officer, Mr Nura Lawal said the input distribution efforts would assist in addressing the challenges of food insecurity and hunger in the land while calling for more commitment among the farmers. 

Earlier, The Acting State Coordinator for IFAD/VCDP, Mrs Temitope Ajisafe said efforts were on to install 5 solar – powered water pumps and 5 water – free energy pumps on the basis of one for a cluster of rice farmers in five local government areas as part of efforts to boost dry season rice production 

Items distributed to each of the farmers on matching grants basis included 2 bags of NPK Fertilizer, 1 bag of Urea fertilizer, 50 kilogrammes certified rice seeds, 1 litre of non – selective herbicides and 1 litre of selected herbicides. 

Agriculture

Food Security: FG to Reposition NCAM to Improve Agriculture Mechanisation

By Web News 367

By Ali Rabiu

As part of measures to improve the agricultural sector and ensure food security in Nigeria, the federal government is set to reposition the National Centre for Agriculture Mechanisation, NCAM.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this during his working visit to NCAM in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He said the centre has the mandate for certification and mechanisation of machinery, equipment and devices to ensure the actualisation of the national food security agenda.

Senator Abdullahi said the federal government has discovered that a lot of farmers are being ripped off by service providers who bring in machinery with false claims.

He explained that the present administration’s focus is to reposition the centre to enable it to check every machinery and equipment coming into the country to ensure that it serves the purpose it was meant for.

The minister noted that a bill was already in the pipeline to review agricultural laws in the country.

Earlier in his address, the Executive Director, National Centre for Agriculture Mechanisation, NCAM, Engineer Abdulgafar Kamal, called for the strengthening of the centre by providing equipment testing facilities and modern machine tools.

Engineer Kamal also appealed for the establishment of outstations in the agroecological zones of the country to serve as outreach centres.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Agriculture

Oke Ogun Farmers Receive OYS-Cares Agric Inputs

By Web News 476

By Iyabo Adebisi

Two hundred and five farmers in Olorunsogo, Oorelope and Saki East local government areas have received their agricultural inputs from the Oyo State Government through the OYS-Cares. 

The beneficiaries specialize in maize, tomatoes and cassava farming.

The inputs roll-out to the farmers were in continuation of efforts to boost food security in the state.  

Speaking with journalists shortly after the distribution of the agricultural inputs to the beneficiaries in Igbeti, the state coordinator for Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus,(N-Cares) Result Area 2, Mr. Kolawole Bamigbola said fifty (50) tomatoes farmers received twenty sachets of tomatoes seeds, one and half bags of fertilizers, one litre of pre-emergence and one litre of post-emergence herbicides.

Mr. Kolawole also noted that fifty (50) maize farmers of five groups also received agricultural inputs to enhance their farm produces. He said, “Each farmer collected 10kg of maize, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, one liter of pre-emergence herbicide and one post-emergence herbicide.”

In a remark, the Chairperson, Olorunsogo Local Government, Mrs Akani Juliana Oluwakemi, Chairman, Oorelope Local Government, Raimi Akeem Adepoju, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde over the support in all the 33 local government areas across the state through OYS-Cares.

They urged the beneficiaries to make good use of all the inputs given to them in order to ensure food security in our local government and in the state at large.

Similarly, 260 farmers also received agricultural inputs in Iseyin, Kajola and Iwajowa local government areas of the state.

The inputs ranged from cassava cuttings, rice seeds, tomatoes seeds, maize seeds, herbicides, fertilizers among others.

The farm input distribution was done in conjunction with the World Bank under the state Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Agriculture

Food Security: Experts Canvass for Technocrat in Agric Ministry

By Web News 453

By Olusegun Folarin

Experts in the Agriculture sector have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint a technocrat into the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources towards addressing food shortage in the country.

An expert, Mr Oladele Awoleri made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria while reacting to the state of emergency proclamation by the President on food security.

Mr Awoleri, who described the declaration of state of emergency on the food security as laudable, said the appointment of a technocrat was necessary to drive the vision of the President Tinubu to address food shortage and poverty.

Mr Awoleri also stressed the need for the president to address the security concerns of Nigerians, especially farmers to boost their confidence to return to their farms.

A farmer, Mr Ayopo Somefun while commending the president for state of emergency declaration on food security, said there was the need for the Federal Government to replicate the five hundred thousand hectares cultivation in states for crops where each has a comparative advantage.

Mr Somefun appealed to President Tinubu to empower families towards the realisation of the food security agenda.

Contributing, the Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Ogun State Chapter, Prince Abiodun Ogunjimi, who described the step of President Tinubu as welcome development, expressed optimism that the decision would go a long way to address prices of food items and hunger in the country.

Prince Ogunjimi appealed to the federal Government to ensure prompt implementation various initiatives geared towards addressing food insecurity in the interest of Nigerians.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Agriculture

Over One Thousand Ogun Farmers Receive Agric Inputs

By Web News 373

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

More than one thousand farmers in Ogun State have been provided with agricultural inputs and farm assets as part of the Federal Government’s intervention efforts to ensure livelihood support and food security for poor and vulnerable households in the country. 

The official disbursement, through the Nigerian COVID 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES, in collaboration with the Ogun State government was held in Ijebu-Ode for beneficiaries drawn from nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District of the state. 

Addressing the gathering, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Samuel Adeogun said a total of 20,922 farmers would be empowered across the state and advised the farmers to take advantage of the intervention to boost their capacity and standard of living. 

Also, the Project Manager of the State Agricultural Development Programme, Mrs Solape Awe expressed optimism that the domesticated Ogun State CARES FADAMA – 2 initiative, aimed at mitigating the harsh effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on farmers would further strengthen the food supply chain in the state. 

1,150 cluster farmers were provided with different inputs and farm assets including day old chicks, goats and pigs as well as sprayers, fertilizer, chemicals and feeds at the event. 

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr Sunday Aina and Mrs Adejoke Israel applauded the support and promised to turn the inputs into profit for the benefit of the state. 

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp

Agriculture

Minister of Agriculture Tasks Farmers on Challenges of Climate Change

By Web News 489

By Olusegun Folarin

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar wants farmers to take advantage of the available training programmes on climate change resilient practices to boost their production capacity.

Dr Abubakar made the call in Abeokuta at a training programme for maize farmers on the need to tackle the challenges of climate change.

Speaking through a representative, Mrs Esther Moyo, the Minister emphasized the need for the farmers to be equipped with adequate knowledge and resources to cushion the effect of harsh weather on their operations with a view of improving their productivity.

Also, the Ogun State Acting Coordinator, for the Ministry, Dr Ayo Ajayi said the training was aimed at keeping the farmers up to date in farming business and helping them to develop ways to manage the prevailing weather condition.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina who was represented by the Acting Programme Manager of the State Agricultural Development Programme, OGADEP, Mrs Solape Awe urged the farmers to embrace safe farming practices for enhanced productivity.

Speaking on climate resilient practices in maize production in the South West region of the country, a resource person, Mr Femi Akinniyi encouraged the farmers to adopt the use of weather forecasting tools, smart tillage and early maturing varieties in the bid to mitigate the effects of climate on maize production.

Some of the farmers, Mr Nurudeen Olayinka, Mrs Adeola Gbadamosi and Mr Oladipo Ogungbe who described the training programme as timely, urged the federal government to support small holder farmers with necessary tools, especially, in the area of irrigation.

Agriculture

Ogun Govt Organises Agricultural Show

By Web News 600

By Olusegun Folarin

Ogun State government has organized a roundtable dialogue on Agriculture with a resolve to sustain the profitable engagement of youths in the sector. 

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina announced this in Abeokuta at an event organized for participants drawn from the six local government areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District. 

Dr Odedina said the roundtable dialogue and agricultural show held at the Ake Palace as part of the activities to commemorate this year’s Lisabi Day Festival was aimed at encouraging the people to take advantage of the various initiatives of the present administration to boost the economy through Agriculture. 

The commissioner for agriculture who spoke on “farm to table: bringing agricultural opportunities of Governor Dapo Abiodun to the door step of the public” said the present administration was promoting more investments in the agricultural value chain to enhance food production. 

Other speakers at the event advocated the sustenance of government’s initiatives to support farmers and make the sector attractive to the youths through the consistent supply of farm inputs and other incentives through the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

In a remark, Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who said there was the need for Nigerians to embrace agriculture to drive development in other sectors emphasized that Agriculture would also ensure job opportunities for the youths.

Agriculture

Agric Expert Advocates Investment In Snail Farming To Enhance Food Security

By Web News 706

An agric expert, Mr Oluwole Azeez has called on the government to invest in snail farming to enhance food security and boost its revenue generation. 

 Mr Azeez who is the Chief Executive Officer of FarmKonnect Agribusiness Nigeria Plc stated this when the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, paid a courtesy visit to the farm in Ibadan.

He said snail farming is a 16 billion dollar per annum market business the country can invest in to improve its revenue drive and obtain the desired food security.

The FarmKonnect boss who is a retired Naval Commander remarked that snail farming through its numerous value chains from production to marketing could make people, especially youth self-employed and employers of labour.

According to Mr Azeez, the firm in its efforts to improve job creation and contribute to food security established a snail village in Ekiti.

He emphasised that the fundamentals of every society were food security because every human being depends on food to survive.

“Without food security, we cannot have national security, national security is the requirement to maintain the survival of any nation.

“National security comprises health, political, environmental, social, food security, among others.

“The key players in socio-economic development should include the family, schools, corporate organisations, religious leaders, the government and even society.”

He stressed the need for farmers to be equipped with information technology to enable them to improve yield and productivity.

 “We don’t need more farmers but smarter farmers, farmers should learn to collaborate rather than compete.

“Our vision is to make profiting from agriculture easier and more consistent for all and sundry, without limitation by boundaries, time, space, skill, social or financial status.

Earlier, Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Air Vice Marshal Ebenezer Alade said they were on a study tour to know how the farm has been contributing to national security, especially through agriculture

“They are doing a great job because anybody that produces food is a form of security to the country.

“This is because a hungry man is an angry person when people are angry they can do lots of negative things.

“So whoever that is ensuring that there is food availability, as FarmKonnect is doing, is moving Nigeria forward,” he said.

Ridwan Fasasi.

 
Agriculture

Poultry Farmers Advocate for Ban on Exportation of Soya Beans, Maize

By Web News 664

Poultry farmers have appealed to the Federal Government to ban the exportation of soya beans and maize to allow Nigerian farmers to produce for local use.

The poultry farmers while speaking in Abeokuta noted that the exchange rate and many other challenges had forced a lot of farmers out of business with many industries in the sector closing shop. 

The prices of poultry and livestock feed concentrates had continued to rise in the Nigerian market in recent times, due to an astronomical increase in the prices of maize and soybeans as major raw materials and this has led to a rise in the cost of livestock, including chicken, turkey and eggs.

The poultry farmers during their annual get together in Abeokuta expressed the fears that Nigerians might have to pay more for the poultry products.

The chairman of the association, Dr. Olalekan Odunsi while advising Nigerians to brace up for the high cost of chicken as a result of the current situation pointed out that the poultry farmers were facing harsh socio-economic situations.

Dr Odunsi emphasized that apart from the high cost of animal feeds and exchange rate that had continued to take a toll on the industry the problem of insecurity remained a major threat to the survival of poultry farming.

Addressing the gathering, the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Adeola Odedina expressed the states’ commitment towards improving Livestock production through Public Private Partnership approach.

Dr Obadina said the present administration in the state was working with poultry farmers to encourage mass production of livestock and eggs for export value-chain.

Also, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Olabode Adetoyi urged the Southwest States to create the enabling environment for farmers to operate. 

The Ekiti state commissioner for Agriculture and Food security announced that the Ekiti state Government was granting tax holidays and security to all agribusiness investors operating in the State. 

The Poultry farmer’s annual gathering, according to the organizers is aimed at enabling them to compare notes and share ideas on current technologies and poultry farming techniques as well as business ideas.

Wale Oluokun

Agriculture News

FG Distributes Multi Grain Shelling Machines To Farmers In Ogun

By Web News 893

Farmers in Ogun state have been told to imbibe the culture maintenance when handling agricultural Machines.

The Ogun state coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and rural development gave the advice in Abeokuta at the distribution of Multi grain shelling machines to farmers cooperatives.

According to reports, the state coordinator expressed disappointment on the attitude of farmers in the state towards Federal Government’s agriculture initiatives.

The State Coordinator said some farmers among the 150 beneficiaries of the federal government’s farm input to rice farmers in Ogun State are yet to collect the input.

He explained that the beneficiaries had refused to show up for the collection of the rice paddy, chemicals and other inputs provided free of charge by the federal government.

On the multi – grain shelling machines also provided by the Federal government free of charge to agricultural cooperatives, Mr. Oseni urged the farmers to imbibe good maintenance culture to prolong the life span of the equipment.

He expressed optimism that the machines would reduce post harvest losses and improve earnings of the farmers cooperatives.

Also, the project Manager, Ogun state Agricultural Development programme, OGADEP, Mrs Taiwo Ayansanwo urged the farmers to reciprocate the gesture of the federal government and use the shelling machines for improved productivity and wealth creation.

The cooperatives representatives in their remarks thanked the federal government for the donation of the machines noting that the equipment will enhance their output.

They also called on the government to improve the security arrangements around farms in the rural communities following the increase in cases of farmers kidnap farmers.

Beneficiaries of the multi grain shelling machines included the Agric and Allied cooperatives, Olowo village, Alapinni Farmers cooperatives, Shaala, Ayetoro, Excellent Youth farmers corporative Shawonjo and Food Brothers Women, Odoogbolu all in Ogun state.

Highlight of the event was the special training on the machines maintenance and usage.

Wale Oluokun

Economy

Let’s explore opportunities for our young people – Osinbajo to Vietnamese Envoy

By Web News 565

With the opportunities existing in agriculture & technology in Nigeria and Vietnam, both countries will benefit from effective collaboration in these sectors and thereby deepen their friendly relationships.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, made this assertion on Monday at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Nigeria, Luong Quoe.

“There are specific areas where we have talked about in the past, agriculture is one. There was also talk about cashew processing and rice growing and rice processing where Vietnam has shown great innovation and great success. We think that these are areas where we certainly can do a lot more with cooperation.”

The Vice President also noted that other areas of collaboration between Nigeria and Vietnam would be in the interaction of young people actively engaged within the technology space in both countries.

According to him, “I know that Vietnam is doing interesting things in technology and telecoms sectors. I think that we should look for opportunities where young people in Nigeria and Vietnam can interact especially in technology and share ideas, innovation, and their different attainments. I certainly would like us to explore that possibility, especially in the area of technology with our young people.”

Professor Osinbajo further stated that there was plenty room for cooperation, and one of such ways is being effective in establishing relationships and ensuring the relationships endure if both countries are “able to structure the Bi-national Commission and then also some of the economic collaboration through agriculture and technology.”

The Vice President thanked the Vietnamese Government for the kind donation of medical supplies comprising of Droplet Resistant and Antibacterial Fabric Masks, Medical Face Masks and Real–Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT-PCR) Diagnostic Panel for SARS-COV 2 to the Nigerian Mission in Hanoi, Vietnam, in addition, to the donation of 100,000 high-quality 4-ply Anti-Bacterial Medical face masks by a Vietnamese Pharmaceutical Company known as ANH THU Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Investment Joint Stock Company–PSD Group.

In his remarks, Ambassador Quoe commended Nigeria’s role in Africa “as being enormous” and stated that Vietnam “would always wish to have Nigeria’s support in multilateral forums, most importantly the United Nations.”

He also mentioned that the economic potential between both countries is huge and hopes Nigeria “would soon recognize Vietnam as a country of full market economy and Nigeria and Vietnam would sign an agreement on investment, promotion, and protection.”

The Ambassador added that “there are five to seven thousand Nigerians studying and helping in the development of the economy of Vietnam” and also requested the consideration of direct flights between Nigeria and Vietnam.

Also present at the meeting was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and other top government officials.

Laolu Akande,
Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
10th August, 2021

Agriculture

Experts Identify African Yam Bean as Solution to Malnutrition in Nigeria

By Web News 1092

Experts and other key stakeholders in agriculture and food sector have identified African Yam Bean, AYB as a food security crop with numerous benefits and capable of tackling malnutrition in the country.

They made this known at University of Ibadan during the showcase of event on foods from African Yam Beans.

According to Dr Sarafat Tijani of the Peas’n Chips Entrepreneurs Project Stakeholder Networking, AYB provides excellent source of protein, especially for vegans and vegetarians.

He said the crop could prevent diabetics, obesity and cancer because it’s rich in flavonoid and antioxidant that prevents cancer.

Also speaking, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Professor Stella Odebode, said AYB has lots of potential in promoting food security in Africa and should be promoted.

She explained that the crop is unique and the development could help to promote food and nutrition security in the country.

Similarly, The Project Research Co-investigator IITA/UI, Dr Morufat Balogun, said AYB is a drought tolerant crop in which the bean and tubers are edible and increases food diversity.

Dr Balogun who is a Geneticist explained that the crop was resilience because it could stand extreme weather conditions while improving soil fertility emphasized that the crop could be used to alleviate malnutrition during food scarcity.

She said the essence of the workshop was to brainstorm on ways the AYB value chains could be explored to maximise its potential.

Also, a Food Processor and Nutrition Specialist in UI, Mrs Abiodun Adesina, said she made different delicacy from the AYB which included moimoi, bean cakes (Akara) and bean porridge (Adalu).

Similarly, a Farmer who planted AYB, Mr Moses Kolawole, said it was a good source of food and income for his family.

Also, another farmer, Mr Idowu Kazeem, said the AYB could mitigate climate change if it’s intercropped with other crops, adding that it improved soil fertility.

Stakeholders who tasted the products made from the AYB confirmed its uniqueness and urged the government and other interested parties to promote the production as well as processing of the crop. 

In a communiqué earlier issued after a stakeholders’ Prioritization Workshop on African Yam Bean held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan, it advocates the development of improved varieties through the creation of AYB breeding programmes in relevant research institutes to speed up its adoption.

The communiqué notes that the challenge of cultivating AYB as an intercrop with yam could be overcome by developing non-climbing varieties while the low awareness and acceptability of AYB compared to other commercial legumes could be tackled by organizing sensitization and promotional programmes for stakeholders in food industries.

It notes that since it is recognized that farmers are disadvantaged in planting AYB because of the absence of improved varieties stressing that the development of a formal seed system for AYB should be considered as a top priority.

The communiqué also identified lack of protection of AYB against pests and diseases  as a potential threat to its production and calls on government to encourage and invest on promoting agronomists and plant health specialists to conduct more research on the crop.

It acknowledges that available technical and indigenous knowledge about AYB is a strength that encourages its adoption as a food security crop, government should establish innovative and versatile extension platforms to promote linkage between research and users.

Ridwan Fasasi

Agriculture

NIHORT Boss Advocates Provision of Farm Implements for Youth Participation in Agriculture

By Web News 681

Chairman governing board of the National Horticultural Research Institute, NIHORT, major General Mohammed Garba retired wants state government to provide land and mechanized equipment through the local councils for youths participation in agriculture.

Major General Garba made this known during a three day capacity building for youths and women on Platain, Banana production and value addition in collaboration with Hauge Logistics Limited held at NIHORT, Ibadan.

The governing board Chairman noted that establishment of farm settlements and irrigation would encourage prospective youth farmers to venture into agriculture.


He noted that since the coming of president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, NIHORT has provided empowerment training to over two thousand five hundred individuals as the president had identified agriculture sector as having a high potential in job creation.


Major General Garba implored farmers and herders to live in peace for the sustainability of food production all year round.

Participants

In a welcome address, executive Director, NIHORT, Dr Abayomi Olaniyan while stressing the viability of plantain and banana urged the participants to take the training seriously for self empowerment.


Dr Olaniyan who disclosed that start up capital would be made available to the participants cautioned them to use the funds judiciously as the institute would do a follow up on their progress.


The participants who were drawn from most parts of the country expressed joy on being part of the training.


They urged the institute to make the training as frequent as possible for more youths to benefit from it.

Jeffrey Ahonmisi

Agriculture

Expert Tasks Government on Investment in Agriculture

By Web News 691

Government has been urged to invest in agriculture sector to provide avenue for employment and wealth creation for overall development of the nation.

An agriculturalist, Engineer Sunday Atoyebi stated this at the end-of-year party of National Forum of Heads of Federal Government Establishments in Nigeria, Osun State chapter.

Engineer Atoyebi noted that government must diversify the nation’s economy with substantial focus on the agriculture sector, especially in the face economic crisis bedeviling the nation.

He called on stakeholders in the agriculture sector to be more alive to their responsibilities of making farming more attractive to young ones.

In a remark, Osun State Head of Service, Mr Festus olowogboyega said the government had commenced payment of national minimum wage for workers in the state with a view to sustaining industrial harmony.

Mr Olowogboyega lauded Federal Government workers in the state for their contributions to growth and development of the state.

In her welcome address, the chairperson of the forum, Mrs Omolara Kehinde said the forum would continue to champion the course of its members in the state. 

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

Don Advocates Agriculture To Boost State IGR

By Web News 656

Osun State Government says it has impacted positively in every sector of the state to improve better living for its citizenry.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economy Planning, Professor Olalekan Yinusa stated this in Osogbo at a public lecture of the Osun State NUJ 2020 press week.

Professor Yinusa spoke on the topic ” Examining Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s two years of governance in Osun: A journey of transformative leadership or Political rhetoric.

He emphasised that Governor Oyetola was running an inclusive and participatory government to the benefits of citizens and overall development of the state despite the financial challenge poised by COVID 19 pandemic.

Also speaking, another lecturer, Doctor Tunji Ogunyemi of OAU Ile-Ife who said security and welfare of the people were constitutional responsibility of government gave Oyetola administration a good credit.

He urged Osun government to empower local governments to go into massive agriculture to increase their income for developmental projects at grassroots which would culminate into overall development of the state.

Earlier, the chairman Osun State council, Mr. Wasiu Ajadosu said the lecture was organized to hold government accountable and set agenda as such was necessary for good governance.

Abiodun Adeoye

Agriculture

Agric: FG Empowers More Youths Through Capacity Building

By Web News 717

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to prioritise developmemt of the agricultural sector through capacity building for youths and women that will encourage them into farming.

Board Chairman, National Horticultural Research Institute, NIHORT, Retired Major General Garba Muhammed stated this while declaring open a one-day pineapple production training for youths and women in Ibadan.

Major General Muhammed described the training of unemployed youths with necessary agricultural skills as part of holistic action of the federal government to drive the economic growth of the country. 

He said “As our nation strive in its growth economically, capacity building becomes necessary to equip our citizens in general with skills and competence necessary in horticultural value chains of various crops that will ensure sustainable national development, improve individuals’ income and economic empowerment”. 

Major General Muhammed noted that agriculture has become a crucial multiplier sector that has high potentials of massive job creation needed to tackle the current unemployment rate. 

Earlier, Executive Director, NIHORT Ibadan, Dr. Abayomi Olaniyan pledged the Institutes commitment to provide expertise that will regularly liaise with beneficiaries for effective pineapple production. 

Three beneficiaries, David Folorunso, Olaitan Olaleye and Dorcas Damilola commended the Federal government and promised to share the knowledge gained with others. 

Fifty youths and women benefitted from the free training on pineapple production. 

Mosope Kehinde

Agriculture

Ogun Partners EU to Train Women, Youths in Agriculture

By Web News 781

Ogun State Government in collaboration with GIZ, European Union, has embarked on training of youths and women in cultivating tomato, chili pepper and its value-chains.

Flagging-off the training at Eweje Farm Institute, Odeda, Wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun explained that, the exercise was aimed at empowering three thousand smallholder farmers, towards increased productivity, such as linkages with inputs, credits, markets, job creation and food security, which was in line with the present administration’s goal on job creation and food sufficiency.

Mrs. Abiodun encouraged the participants to explore the insights gained at the training, towards best agricultural practices, assuring that government would not relent at empowering youths and women in various agricultural opportunities. 

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina, noted that Ogun and Lagos States had early in the year launched Nigeria Competitiveness Project aimed at assisting farmers in cultivating tomato and pepper. 

Dr Odedina described the Farm Institute as an ideal training centre where farmers would be groomed on modern and mechanised agricultural practices.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Alhaja Hairat Ogunmoye, who lauded the initiative, appealed to government to sustain the training to enable farmers in other parts of the state to benefit and become financially stable.

Olusegun Folarin

Agriculture

No Agricultural Development without Technology-FARA

By Web News 1124

For Nigeria to experience massive turn around in agriculture, the country must totally depend on innovation through technology. 

Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, FARA, Dr Yemi Akinbamijo made this known while delivering a quarterly lecture of the first Technical University, Ibadan. 

Dr Akinbamijo who hinted that development in the agric sector cannot be achieved without technology advised government to encourage and harness the strenght in its youths to generate innovative support for the country.

He commended the First Technical University, Ibadan for raising students that will bridge the technological deficits in Nigeria. 

Cue in

Cue out

Reacting, Vice Chancellor, Technical University Ibadan, Professor Ayobami Salami said the institution is making arrangements to train students abroad to acquire more skills in technical education.

Professor Salami disclosed that Tech U had recently won four hundred and fifty thousand Euros research grants to assist the institution in research. 

Mosope Kehinde

Agriculture

Implications of Low Rainfall in the Last Few Months

By Web News 802

Farmers in Osun State have been urged not to be discouraged by the level of rainfall this year but prepare more land for the next planting season.

This was the submission of some stakeholders who spoke with our correspondent, Temitope Mosadomi in Osogbo, on the implications of lack of rain in the last few months. 

Her Report.

Temitope Mosadomi

Agriculture

Makinde Signs Law Establishing Oyo Agribusiness Agency

By Web News 1081

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has signed a bill for the establishment of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA into law.

The bill which was signed into law at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking at the signing, Governor Makinde said the law would make adequate provision for the establishment, composition and powers of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency.

He noted that the agency headquarters would be located in Saki, explaining that the first two projects the agency would embarked upon are the Farm Estates in Eruwa and Akufo.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Agric-business, Dr. Debo Akande said the law establishing the Agric Business Development Agency was borne out of the need to develop Oyo State as the Agribusiness hub of the country and Sub-Sahara Africa as a whole. 

He described the law as a landmark in the history of the state, adding that the law would turn around the fortune of the state Agribusiness completely.

Iyabo Adebisi