Health

Burning Animal with Fuel Causes Cancer says Expert

By Web News 323 0

By Lanre Omotoso

Measures should be put in place to curb butchers from burning animal hair with kerosene and fuel because of its health implications.

A lecturer in the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Dr. Anthony Ekeocha gave the advice while speaking with Radio Nigeria in reaction to how beef often smell kerosene in Ekiti State.

Dr. Ekeocha said the residue of the kerosene which is often felt while consuming beef in the State may over time lead to terminal diseases, such as cancer.

He stressed that continuous consumption of kerosene induced-animal may over time damage the internal organs of consumers such as the liver, kidney and heart.

The Don however advised butchers in the State to desist from burning animal skin with kerosene, but rather use hot water to remove hair from the cows.

Because of the health implications associated with kerosene burning, the animal scientist suggested that skinny could be done by pumping the cow, pouring hot water on it and removing the hair with either a sharp knife or razor blade.

While condemning the act of burning animal hair with kerosene which butchers claimed to be faster, the lecturer stressed that it is better to prevent sickness rather than nursing it, because health is wealth.

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Agriculture

Don Cautions against Further Triggering Desertification

By Web News 821 0

By Lanre Omotoso

Desertification and drought must be tackled to prevent the desertification of fertile lands in the country.

A lecturer in the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Olubunmi Shittu gave the advice in Ado Ekiti to commemorate the day. 

Professor Shittu identified deforestation, overgrazing, and inappropriate farming systems as factors responsible for desertification.

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While attributing drought to a shortage of rainfall, occasioned by climate change, the soil scientist stressed the need to plant more trees so as to reduce the negative effects of desertification and drought on the ecosystem.

He emphasized the effects of desertification and drought including dry vegetation, and low water levels of rivers and lakes, which would translate to food shortages, if not properly tackled.

Professor Shittu noted that most of the agricultural machinery was not adapted to the country’s loose soil, hence the need to modify them to suit the soil content of the nation, to reduce erosion.

Since 1994, June 17 had been the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to draw public attention that 23 percent of the land globally is no longer productive, while 75 percent has been transformed from its natural state. 

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Agriculture

Plant more leguminous crops for food security – Professor Omolehin

By Web News 591 0

By Lanre Omotosho

Farmers in the country have been enjoined to plant more leguminous crops to achieve food security and create economic stability.

A lecturer in the department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Raphael Omolehin gave the advice to commemorate this year’s World Pulses Day.

Professor Omolehin who identified pulses as edible seeds of legume plants of beans and groundnut, said planting them would increase fertility of soil, prevent erosion as well as suppress weed on farmland.

The don also noted that the pulse seeds are packed with nutrients and high protein content, which make them an ideal source of protein for those who do not like to consume meat or dairy.

Professor Omolehin stressed that beans which are part of legumes could be made into Moin-Moin, Akara and soup, while groundnut could be fried or cooked, and their by-products serve as animal feeds.

The don emphasized that pulses are low in fat and rich in soluble fiber, could lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, manage diabetes, heart conditions and combat obesity.

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly designated February 10 as World Pulses Day to raise awareness about the healthy diets of the seeds, while the theme for this year is “Pulses for a Sustainable Future”.

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