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Category: Agriculture

  • Plateau State Launches Sensitization Program to Boost Agricultural Marketing and Food Security

    Plateau State Launches Sensitization Program to Boost Agricultural Marketing and Food Security

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    The Plateau State Government launched a new program yesterday aimed at enhancing agricultural marketing and strengthening food security across the state. The sensitization program, which kicked off in Shendam and Langtang, will run through November 14, 2024.

    The initiative seeks to educate and empower farmers in Plateau State’s federal constituencies, with a focus on expanding access to both local and international markets for Plateau’s agricultural produce.

    Ezekiel Davou, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Commodity Marketing and Food Security, led the program’s launch, emphasizing its role in transforming the agricultural sector. Davou noted that this initiative will support smallholder farmers by facilitating access to post-harvest processes, financial resources, and broader markets, crucial for maximizing the potential of their produce. This, he explained, will foster a more sustainable economic environment for both the farmers and the state.

    As part of the program, the Plateau State Government has established the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company Limited (PLACOM), with Davou as the coordinator. PLACOM’s objectives include providing access to finance, managing post-harvest logistics, and connecting farmers to larger markets locally and internationally.

    According to Davou, “The Plateau State Government, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has launched a Special Purpose Vehicle—the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company Limited (PLACOM)—to lead the marketing of Plateau State’s produce for both local and international markets. This company will not only purchase produce from farmers at harvest but will also manage post-harvest processes, facilitate access to finance, and connect farmers with broader markets, creating transformative opportunities for smallholder farmers and the state’s economy.”

    Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Bugama, underscored the program’s significance, reiterating the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. He praised PLACOM as a transformative initiative that will empower farmers with the tools to boost productivity and profitability.

    Bugama added, “This initiative is expected to significantly impact both the local economy and food security, with the potential to link Plateau’s agricultural products to broader markets.”

  • Stakeholders Advocate for Sustainable Public-Private Partnerships in Digital Agricultural Extension for Nigeria

    Stakeholders Advocate for Sustainable Public-Private Partnerships in Digital Agricultural Extension for Nigeria

    Leo Zwànke, Lafia

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector are advocating for a sustainable public-private partnership (PPP) model to support digital solutions for agricultural extension services.

    In a press release signed by Mr. Moses Mongoatse, Communication Officer for the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), the Association announced the launch of a new project titled, *“A Consultative Engagement Exercise for a Product Profile Design for Nigeria’s Public-Private Partnership Digital Extension Delivery System.”*

    Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this project aims to create a digital extension service tailored to small-scale farmers in Oyo, Gombe, and Kaduna States, promoting gender equality and climate resilience in crop and livestock production. The project will be executed in partnership with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), SAA, AGRA, Sahel Consulting, and Africa Practice.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Adeola Lordbanjou, Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, stressed the need for innovative extension services, citing a shortage of extension agents, with only one agent for every 10,000 households, compared to a previous ratio of one agent per 500 farmers.

    “The traditional Training and Visit (T&V) extension approach has become ineffective,” stated Lordbanjou. “This shortage is a major contributor to low productivity in our agricultural sector. In response, Nigeria launched its National Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP) last year, emphasizing ICT integration to modernize our extension services. Today’s project launch marks a significant step forward.”

    Lordbanjou highlighted the importance of private-sector involvement, noting, “The government recognizes the private sector’s essential role, making a PPP model crucial to revamping our agricultural extension system.”

    Dr. Simplice Nahdy, Executive Director of AFAAS, noted that the Gates Foundation’s support underscores its commitment to enhancing digital solutions for small-scale producers. He emphasized the need to consolidate existing digital tools to improve service delivery to farmers.

    “This project aims to develop a sustainable PPP model that ensures small-scale producers have access to vital resources,” Nahdy explained. “It also seeks to foster collaboration among the public sector, private sector, and nonprofits while assessing the private sector’s capacity to sustain the platform long-term.”

    Participants at the workshop included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural development programs, agro-allied companies, the financial sector, tech firms, NGOs, and farmer organizations. Discussions focused on the strengths, weaknesses, and potential of a PPP model for digital extension services.

    Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA Nigeria, leading the project’s first phase, urged stakeholders to collaborate. “Sasakawa is laying the groundwork for this comprehensive study,” Atser noted. “We’re working with experts to identify small-scale producers’ needs and the incentives driving private-sector investment in digital extension.”

    The project aims to yield insights that will pave the way for scalable digital solutions, enhancing agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

  • Egg Prices May Rise to N10,000 as Farmers Seek Intervention

    Egg Prices May Rise to N10,000 as Farmers Seek Intervention

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    Poultry farmers are contemplating a price increase for a crate of eggs due to economic factors. Currently, Nigerians pay N6,000 for a crate. Farmers have expressed the need for government intervention to avoid further price hikes.

    The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has warned that the price may soon reach N10,000. The average price has surged from under N3,000 per crate just 12-15 months ago.

    Musa Hakeem, Secretary of PAN in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighted the need for urgent government action. He noted that without swift intervention, the price hike is inevitable. This could worsen the already declining protein consumption among Nigerians.

    Hakeem attributed rising costs to increased transportation expenses after the removal of fuel subsidies. He also mentioned that feed prices have skyrocketed due to feed millers’ pricing. He stated, “Production costs are rising sharply, and we may need to raise prices to N10,000. However, we have kept it at N5,500 for now to consider consumers.”

    He expressed disappointment over the lack of government support. The last grain assistance for poultry farmers was three years ago. Hakeem urged the government to collaborate more with farmers. The association has detailed data on poultry farmers that could help in targeted interventions.

    Recent data from the AFEX Commodity website shows that a metric ton of maize costs N710,000, up from N480,000 in 2023. This marks a 48% increase in just one year.

    In related news, some formerly affordable food items are now out of reach for many Nigerians. A recent market survey revealed that the prices of staple foods have doubled in recent months. This trend has reduced the purchasing power of many, making it hard to meet daily dietary needs.

  • E-Moringa Organic Fertilizer Boosts Soil Fertility – Kano Farmers

    E-Moringa Organic Fertilizer Boosts Soil Fertility – Kano Farmers

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano

    Farmers in Kano State are advocating for the widespread adoption of E-Moringa organic fertilizer to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields. Following the successful application of the fertilizer on their farms, many farmers have attested to its effectiveness in boosting the growth of various crops in both wet and dry seasons.

    In an interview with the media, Malam Bello Wada Waddau, a maize farmer, praised the organic fertilizer, stating, “E-Moringa is a highly effective fertilizer. It’s 100% organic and contains all the necessary nutrients to support plant growth. I’m confident that anyone who uses it will see excellent yields and experience a bumper harvest.”

    Abdul Hamid Suleiman Masha, another farmer, emphasized the fertilizer’s versatility. “E-Moringa organic fertilizer is ideal for all crops. It has significantly improved the growth and yield of my vegetables,” Masha said.

    Similarly, Alhaji Ubale Babangida, who applied the fertilizer on his millet farm, noted, “After using E-Moringa, we observed tremendous growth in our crops, particularly during periods of consistent rainfall. I commend the Eden Moringa production and marketing company for providing a solution that benefits Nigerian farmers.”

    Other farmers, including Malam Yusuf Adamu, Tukur Musa, Ibrahim Garba, Tafida Sulaiman Musa, and Amina Usman, a prominent female farmer in Kano, shared similar sentiments, praising the fertilizer for its positive impact on their harvests.

    In conclusion, the farmers urged E-Moringa producers to ensure the availability of the product, particularly in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, where a variety of food and cash crops are cultivated.

  • Stakeholders Urge Kogi Government to Boost Agricultural Funding to Enhance Food Security

    Stakeholders Urge Kogi Government to Boost Agricultural Funding to Enhance Food Security

     

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Stakeholders have called on the Kogi State government to increase funding for the agriculture sector to improve food security in the state.

    This call was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on the Kogi State 2025 Agriculture Budget. The meeting was organized by the Small Scale Women Farmers Association in Nigeria (SWOFAN) in collaboration with the state government and ActionAid Nigeria in Lokoja.

    The communiqué emphasized the need for funding to support consultants or consultancy firms that assist women, youths, and farmers with disabilities in navigating the challenging credit access landscape in Nigeria.

    It highlighted the necessity of reviewing existing agricultural policies and frameworks to develop a comprehensive policy that aligns with the proposed changes.

    “We recommend that funding for the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) receive sustained attention. A specific portion of the budget should be allocated for credit, with a dedicated line for Strengthening Access to Credit each year,” the communiqué stated.

    It noted that smallholder women farmers currently access less than 23% of formal credit and urged the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to establish a yearly budget line for Strengthening Access to Credit.

    Blessing Akhile, ActionAid Coordinator in Kogi State, stressed the importance of increasing the budgetary allocation to ensure adequate food production and poverty alleviation. Akhile emphasized that citizen input in budgeting is crucial for effective resource allocation.

    On Tuesday, key stakeholders in Kogi State’s agricultural sector convened to discuss the 2025 agricultural projects. Dr. Bello Ogirima, Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP), underscored the state’s potential for food production, citing available land, population, and technical expertise. He commended Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for empowering 7,000 farmers with 5,000 hectares of land and providing free inputs.

    Hon. Dr. Bello Oluwaseyi Victor, House Committee Chairman on Agriculture, highlighted the need for legislative support and adequate budgetary provisions to strengthen agricultural agencies and ministries.

    The meeting aimed to gather citizen input for the 2025 budget and promote participatory governance in agriculture. Stakeholders advocated for targeted investments, subsidized inputs, and climate-resilient practices to enhance food production, create employment, and drive economic growth.

     

     

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Border Agency Team Up for Agricultural Oversight

    Ministry of Agriculture and Border Agency Team Up for Agricultural Oversight

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a strategic partnership with the Babanna Border Development Agency (BBDA) to enhance agricultural monitoring and management along Nigeria’s borders. This collaboration focuses on addressing key agricultural issues, including livestock movement and crop production, particularly in the Niger State and Benin Republic border area.

    During a recent meeting in Abuja with BBDA’s Director-General, Mohammed Garba Danladi, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, underscored the partnership’s significance. He emphasized the need for detailed data on agricultural activities in this region, known for its robust agricultural operations and cross-border livestock movement.

    “This partnership will enhance our ability to monitor and manage agricultural activities effectively, addressing both challenges and opportunities in this vital area,” Abdullahi stated. He highlighted the importance of working closely with the BBDA and the local community to achieve these goals.

    To formalize the collaboration, Abdullahi has mandated the creation of a Joint Action Committee, led by Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination at the Ministry. This Committee will draft a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to outline the partnership’s framework.

    Mohammed Garba Danladi, BBDA Director-General, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, referring to his visit to the Ministry as a “homecoming.” He outlined BBDA’s role in enhancing agricultural activities and border security, aiming for significant improvements in agricultural management and cross-border trade.

    Additionally, the Federal Government is accelerating the integration of the Agricultural Insurance Scheme into the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Program (NAGS-AP) to bolster Nigeria’s food systems and ensure national food security. This initiative was announced at a recent Agricultural Insurance Train-the-Trainer Workshop in Orozo, Abuja.

    This new collaboration is set to improve agricultural resource management and border security, with the Joint Action Committee playing a pivotal role in its success.

  • Nigeria Urged to Embrace Automation for Food Self-Sufficiency

    Nigeria Urged to Embrace Automation for Food Self-Sufficiency

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    Femi Adelayo, Managing Director/CEO of FACCO West Africa Limited, has called for Nigeria to urgently invest in automated systems to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and ensure food security. Speaking on the benefits of automation, Adelayo highlighted that it could significantly reduce costs related to feeding, collection, and maintenance, while also enhancing operational efficiency and waste recovery.

    Adelayo urged those in the livestock and poultry sectors to adopt technological innovations to boost productivity. He emphasized that modern, mechanized farming equipment could substantially improve yields and support business growth.

    Current data shows that Nigeria’s per capita egg consumption stands at 78.48 eggs annually, compared to 285.50 in the U.S. and 128.2 in South Africa. However, consumption in Nigeria is projected to reach 600,000 metric tons by 2026, up from 596,000 metric tons in 2021.

    With global poultry and livestock consumption expected to double in the next decade, Nigeria’s burgeoning population of over 200 million will need more automated poultry operations to meet demand. FACCO West Africa Limited provides a range of solutions, including turnkey projects, grain storage, feed milling equipment, and livestock housing, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

    FACCO’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality solutions positions it as a key player in transforming Nigeria’s poultry industry.

  • Food Crisis Will Persist in Nigeria, Warns Agric Expert

    Food Crisis Will Persist in Nigeria, Warns Agric Expert

    By  Milcah   Tanimu

    Akin Olotu, an agriculture expert and former Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Agribusiness to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria’s food crisis is expected to persist for an extended period.

    Speaking at the annual lecture series of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akure, Olotu attributed the ongoing crisis to economic instability, insecurity, and climate change. He emphasized the urgent need for government action to address pest infestations and other threats to agricultural productivity.

    Olotu criticized the lack of responsiveness from agricultural research institutes, which, he claimed, have failed to provide timely warnings and support to farmers. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ prediction that by 2030, up to 82 million Nigerians—approximately 64 percent of the population—may face hunger.

    “The current climatic conditions are not conducive to farming,” Olotu warned. “Immediate action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the food crisis.”

    He also called on President Bola Tinubu to set specific targets for state and local governments to improve agricultural outputs. Olotu highlighted the collapse of Nigeria’s poultry industry as a significant concern.

    Further, he urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to allocate 24 percent of the state’s 2025 budget to agriculture to boost food production. Olotu praised the late Akeredolu’s efforts in the ‘Red Gold’ revolution, which saw the cultivation of 87,000 hectares of oil palm—short of the 100,000-hectare target but creating over 30,000 jobs.

    “Ondo State has a natural advantage in tree crops,” Olotu said. “Despite achieving significant progress, there is still a heavy reliance on imported oil palm. A unified and strategic approach is essential to overcoming the food shortage. We need to plan effectively and set clear objectives for the future.”

  • Senate President Assures Farmers: Tinubu Administration Will Address Current Challenges

    Senate President Assures Farmers: Tinubu Administration Will Address Current Challenges

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerian farmers that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to resolving the ongoing difficulties faced by the agricultural sector and the broader populace. This message was conveyed by Mrs. Unoma Akpabio during a recent event in Akwa Ibom State, where she was representing her husband.

    At the event, which involved the distribution of fertilizers to female farmers, Mrs. Akpabio urged farmers to maintain their confidence in President Tinubu. She emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring food security across the nation.

    Mrs. Akpabio stated, “On behalf of the President of the Senate, I am here to kick off the fertilizer distribution initiative. This effort is aimed at enhancing agricultural yields and reinforcing food security. In this senatorial district, we are beginning with female farmers. Rest assured, additional fertilizers will be provided by the Ministry of Agriculture to support all farmers.”

    She encouraged farmers to remain patient, emphasizing that President Tinubu is determined to improve the situation. “I urge our women and youth to stay hopeful and not be misled. We have a President who is experienced, visionary, and committed to making positive changes. The Renewed Hope Agenda is being implemented, and there are new opportunities, such as student loans for education and the recently passed minimum wage bill which benefits our civil servants.”

    Mrs. Akpabio, who is also a farmer, expressed her optimism for the upcoming planting season and extended her best wishes to the farming community.

  • FCTA distributes Agro inputs to 50,000 beneficiaries in Abuja

    FCTA distributes Agro inputs to 50,000 beneficiaries in Abuja

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    In a move to increase beef and dairy produce in Abuja, the FCT Special Agro- Industrial Processing Zone Project, SAPZ on Wednesday distributed agricultural inputs to 5,000 beneficiaries at Gwagwalada.

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who flagged – off the distribution of Agricultural inputs to SAPZ project beneficiaries said that the implementation of the project
    in the nation’s capital is targeted at empowering approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, with significant focus on 40% women beneficiaries, aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.
    Mahmoud represented by the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam stated that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy providing livelihoods for millions of people while ensuring food security for the nation.

    “We are optimistic that the agricultural inputs being distributed today, comprising Bull Calves, Animal Feeds, Crop Seeds, Fertilizers, and Crop Protection Chemicals and Equipment, will serve as a vital catalyst for building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector,” she added.

    The FCT Coordinator, SAPZ programme, Kabiru Yusuf said that the distribution of the agro inputs
    program is aimed at increasing livestock productivity in the FCT.

    He said, ” The programme is to enhance productivity and support value addition from processing to finished goods. For the FCT specifically, it’s dairy to yoghurt, gee, cheese, and butter.”
    He noted, “agricultural inputs are not only about providing equipment for planting the seeds, but also about equipping our farmers with the tools they need to increase productivity improve quality, and enhance competitiveness in both local and international markets.”

    The Mandate Secretary, ARDS, Lawan Kolo Geidam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, ARDS, Grace Adayilo said that the SAPZ programme which is facilitated
    are crucial in providing vital support to farmers to help them navigate these challenging times.

    “As you are aware, the FCT Administration formally joined this project, facilitated by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), in 2024.”

    “SAPZ is an initiative that seeks to unlock the immense potential of the livestock subsector in the Federal Capital Territory by providing critical financing and support to drive the growth, productivity, and sustainability of the sector”, she added.

    Geidam said, ” We will be distributing assorted agricultural inputs, including bull calves, fertilizers, animal feeds, agro-chemicals, and more to support their endeavours and improve their overall economic well-being.”

    He disclosed that the 5,000 beneficiaries have been profiled and trained for the intervention.