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Category: Agriculture

  • Insecurity: Kaduna city streets, and roadsides taken over by farmers

    Insecurity: Kaduna city streets, and roadsides taken over by farmers

    “Bandits have driven us from our farms”

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    As the country grapples with escalating terrorism and banditry many farmers, have turned to full scale domestic farming activities for the survival if their families.

    In Kaduna, most homes, streets and roadsides have been taken over and converted to farmlands as farmers -turned domestic farming now use available spaces to cultivate crops as a means of survival

    In some cases, even entrance space into personal residences and flats have been cultivated to produce food to meet family needs not minding the resultant mosquitos other insects making their breeding grounds

    Federal road shoulders and highways are not spared of this development as farmers, fearing that they may be kidnapped by bandits in isolated farmlands stay close to their homes and busy roads for farming against their wishes even distorting their places of abode.

    A civil engineer, Ahmed Yakubu, who spoke on the development said it has implication s on the lifespan of the buildings and road corridor experiencing this phinonmenon. “The implications are that the situation may leads to serious erosion of the roads and building overtime due the farming activities side by side with residential building, roads and streets”

    Also speaking to Journalist, on the matter, Philip Dauda Ladan, a farmer and politician said the fear of people going into the bushes to farm an kidnapped by terrorists is quite high in the state.

    Philip who is also a pastor and the Secretary NNPP Kaduna State lamented that people has resorted to feeding their families for survival.

    “It’s true and unfortunate because people are afraid to go inside the bushes to farm. I remember my uncle working with Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVIS), looking for a place to farm.

    “And I asked him, can you please get me a space to farm? He said yes, but the problem is that if I go there they’ll carry me. I said why. He said the truth is that, he too want to farm but he cannot go the farm land because even the community within the area where he has about 3-5 hectares of land, he cannot go there in Chikun LGA here, because of bandits. That, he don’t want anything to happen to me. So he’ll not allow me to go and farm there. So I’ve to find an easy place to farm close to my house by the roadsides.

    “Now I’m farming in NNPP quarters, even though we have a lot of challenges there. The people managing the area sometimes come and stop us, saying that they’re afraid one day somebody may come and claim hes own the Land.

    “Its a verse land. We kills a lot of snakes to farm there. Even Python can be found there. Even though it is not enough we’re just farming for survival, it is just for our consumption only.

    “Roadsides is not up to even a plot to bring enough to feed the family. So we’re facing a very tough time. Birds, Chickens and other demotic animals are problems also”, he lamented.

    He advised that government should end the insecurity soon for people to return to their farms for meaninful farming

  • Kano Agro Project Counsels Jigawa Govt. On Project Management.

    Kano Agro Project Counsels Jigawa Govt. On Project Management.

    By Jabiru Hassan.

    The State Project Coordinator, Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project, Ksadp, Malam Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Has Advised The Government Of Jigawa State To Put In Place A Quality Management System For Its Islamic Development Bank Funded Project For Best Results. “donors Have Guidelines To Monitor Their Funds And They Rely Largely On Operational Efficiency Of The Project Management Unit To Monitor Their Funds”.

    The Project Coordinator Gave The Recommendation While Receiving A Delegation From Jigawa State, Led By The Special Adviser To The State Governor On Cluster Farming, Alhaji Muhammad Idris Danzomo, Who Visited The Ksadp Office In Kano.

    He Further Advised The State Government To Rethink The Option Of Having The Managing Director Of The State Agricultural And Rural Development Authority, Jarda, Doubling As The State Coordinator Of The Jigawa Integrated And Rural Development Project, Cautioning That Combining The Two Roles May Pose Operational Challenges .

    Malam Ibrahim Said From The Onset The Ksadp, Funded By The Islamic Development Bank And The Lives And Livelihoods Fund, Llf, The Project Streamlined Its Operations, Working Closely With Iita, Icrisat And Saa As Technical Partners, To Achieve Optimally.

    “it Is Now In Its Third Year Of Implementation And The Ksadp Has Invested Handsomely In Sustainable Development Of Selected Livestock And Crop Value Chains In Kano, With Very Good Results”.

    The Special Adviser To The Governor Of Jigawa State On Cluster Farming, Muhammad Idris Danzomo Said The Engagement Was Basically To Learn From The Experience Of The Ksadp, Its Management Structure, Challenges And Success Stories, So That Jigawa State Can Replicate.

    “from The Interaction, I Can See You Have Capable Hands And That Might Be Some Of The Reason Why You Are Moving Forward.

    The Jigawa Project And Your Own Were Signed At The Same Time But The Isdb Could Not Make The Jigawa Project Disbursement Effective Until We Get Capable Hands”, He Stated.

    The Special Adviser Thanked The Ksadp Project Management Unit For Receiving His Delegation Cordially And For The Openness In Interaction, Stressing That The Team Was So Impressed With The Reception Accorded And Would Report The Gesture To The Jigawa State Governor.

    Speaking In The Same Vein, The Managing Director, Jigawa State Agricultural And Rural Development Authority, Jarda, Malam Imam Muhammad, Who Is Also The State Coordinator Of The Jigawa Integrated And Rural Development Project, Funded By The Islamic Development Bank, Isdb, Said Feasibility Study Has Been Conducted For The Project, Hence The Need To Study The Ksadp Model In Order To Succeed.

    “the Islamic Development Bank Asked Us To Come And Learn From You And We Are Paying Attention To Procurement, Monitoring And Evaluation And Finance So That We Can Be On The Right Track”.

  • ICPC Charges Rural Electrification Agency Officials with Stealing N1.2 Billion

    ICPC Charges Rural Electrification Agency Officials with Stealing N1.2 Billion

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged seven officials of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with embezzling up to N1.2 billion through the agency’s payment platform.

    At the Federal High Court in Abuja, a prosecution witness, Bariki Zaknayaba, testified how Usman Kwakwa, a senior staff member at REA, allegedly diverted funds using his personal and company accounts.

    The charges against Mr. Kwakwa include allegations of illegally receiving N298 million into his accounts between March and July 2023. These payments, purportedly for project monitoring, were made without proper authorization or documentation.

    The ICPC’s investigation, triggered by petitions from NGOs and the National Assembly, uncovered irregularities in the financial processes of REA, implicating several senior officials, including Abubakar Sambo, the Director of Finance and Account.

    The trial continues, with objections raised by the defense regarding the admissibility of evidence. The court has adjourned until November 21 to rule on the admissibility and proceed with the case.

    The defendants, including Mr. Kwakwa, face separate trials at the Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent activities.

  • PAN Reports Closure of 30% Poultry Farms in Six Months Due to Sector Challenges

    PAN Reports Closure of 30% Poultry Farms in Six Months Due to Sector Challenges

    By  Milcah   Tanimu

    The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has revealed that more than 30% of poultry farms across the country have ceased operations in the past six months, citing severe sectoral challenges.

    In an interview  in Lagos on Tuesday, PAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Godwin Egbebe, attributed this significant closure rate to the exorbitant cost of operations, which has consequently driven up the prices of eggs nationwide.

    “The first half of this year has seen about 30% of local poultry farmers shutting down their operations due to the hardships faced in the sector,” Egbebe stated.

    He emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions from the government, expressing dissatisfaction with the current palliative measures that often fail to reach genuine farmers.

    “The challenges faced by poultry farmers are severe, with many forced to sell off their equipment and even their farms,” Egbebe lamented, urging farmers not to hastily abandon the sector despite its current difficulties.

    Egbebe highlighted the escalating cost of poultry feed as a primary challenge, noting recent price hikes that have further strained farmers’ profitability.

    “The price of poultry feed has been skyrocketing, increasing our production costs significantly. Just within the past few weeks, we’ve seen the cost of feed rise from N14,300 to N14,800 for a 25kg bag,” he explained.

    Mojeed Iyiola, PAN’s Lagos State Chairman, attributed the current scarcity of eggs and subsequent price hikes to the closure of many poultry farms and the high cost of acquiring new stock.

    “As more farmers exit the sector due to high operational costs, the supply of eggs has dwindled, pushing prices upward,” Iyiola remarked.

    Despite these challenges, PAN remains hopeful that concerted efforts and sustainable interventions from stakeholders will revive the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability.

  • Mikang Council boss distributes bags of fertilizers to farmers

    Mikang Council boss distributes bags of fertilizers to farmers

    By Israel Adamu , Jos

    Transition committee chairman of mikang local government council of plateau state hon daniel kungmi has distributed subsidized bags of fertilizer to farmers as part of his agricultural agenda to assist them in this years farming season.

    Kungmi while distributing the bags of fertilizers urged the benefiting farmers to make good use of them for the development of agriculture in the area.

    Our correspondent reports that mikang local.Government council procured thirty four trucks of 20:10:10 npk fertilizer, which was sold to farmers at a subsidized rate of n20, 000 a bag irrespective of political party ,tribe or religion.

    According to daniel kungmi ,the council had to subsidize the fertilizer so as to help the farmers to boost food production.

    “it is our target to ensure that people embrace farming by going back to agriculture for sustainable development of nigeria.

    “.
    The council boss expressed optimistic that the current farming season will produce optimal bumper harvest given the report he has received so far from farmers.

  • NDDC Secures 100 Hectares of Land in Akwa Ibom for Rural Agric Scheme

    NDDC Secures 100 Hectares of Land in Akwa Ibom for Rural Agric Scheme

    By Sam Akanimo

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has secured more than 100 hectares of land from Itak Ikot Udo community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for its agricultural scheme.The scheme is part of NDDC’s agricultural component of the Holistic Opportunities for Programme and Engagement, Project HOPE.

    The Commission’s Director for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mrs. Winifred Madume, made the development public when she led a delegation of the development agency on an inspection and verification of the land donated by the community for the Project Hope rural farming scheme.Madume, who represented the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, expressed gratitude to the community leaders and all the stakeholders that had thrown their weight behind the agricultural programme of the Commission.

    The NDDC chief commended the communities for partnering with the agency by donating many hectares of land for the agricultural programme targeted at the youths of the region. He promised them maximum value for the land they donated, noting: “it will be mutually beneficial and rewarding.”

    The Village Head of Itak Ikot Udo, Chief David Inyang thanked NDDC for initiating this project in his community during his tenure, stating, “this project holds the promise of alleviating poverty in the area and boosting economic activities. We assure you that adequate security measures will be in place to safeguard the individuals working on the farmland.”Inyang, who expressed hope that the scheme would improve the economic base of the area, further hinted that the community will ensure that adequate security would be provided throughout the duration of the project.

    According to him: ” there won’t be any security challenge to this project that is about to commence in this community. We shall employ the use of law enforcement agents made up of the army, the police, our local vigilante and the community police to forestall any form of threat to this project”

    He continued that the land which is being ceded to NDDC would provide jobs and enhance the value or properties in the community.Consultant for the Project HOPE, Blessing Fubara, in his remarks, thanked the community leaders for collaborating with the NDDC in the interest of the development of the Niger Delta region.

    He said that feasibility study was carried out to ascertain the suitability of the soil for agricultural purposes, adding that independent investigations were carried out to ensure that the donated land was not encumbered or in dispute with neighbouring villages.

    Fubara observed, “even though we know the whole of Niger Delta is green, one of the things we looked at was the peaceful disposition of the people project. His Royal Majesty gave us his words that if we are ready, they are also ready and you can see the commitment on our part.

    “Aside from that, before we embarked, we made sure we cross all the T’s and dotted the I’s. We engaged the youths, women group, market women to ensure that the land given to us is not in dispute.”

  • Kaduna Ginger Farmers Struggle as Disease Ravages Crops, Livelihoods

    Kaduna Ginger Farmers Struggle as Disease Ravages Crops, Livelihoods

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Ginger farmers in Kaduna are grappling with significant losses and economic hardship following a devastating outbreak of disease that ravaged their crops last year. The epidemic, which affected thousands of hectares of ginger farms across seven local government areas of the state, has left farmers reeling from financial ruin and emotional distress.

    Jatau Malichy, a retired librarian turned ginger farmer, tragically witnessed the wilting of his crops, which ultimately led to his demise. His widow, Bathsheba, recounts the heartbreak of losing not only their source of income but also her husband, the breadwinner of their family.

    The epidemic has dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of hundreds of farmers who depend on ginger cultivation for sustenance. With their crops destroyed, farmers face mounting debts from loans taken out for the planting season, further exacerbating their financial woes.

    Raymond Sule, a seasoned ginger farmer, expresses the toll the infestation has taken on his mental health, highlighting the psychological impact of agricultural losses on farmers.

    The economic fallout is evident in the decline of ginger production, once a thriving industry in Kaduna. Warehouses that once stored ginger now house charcoal, signaling a shift in economic activity driven by the collapse of the ginger market.

    Farmers, grappling with the aftermath of the epidemic, call on the government for support in the form of seeds and agricultural inputs to salvage the new planting season. Traditional rulers lament the stagnation and hunger plaguing their communities and urge swift action from the government to address the crisis.

    In response, the Kaduna State government has initiated measures to assist affected farmers, including distributing fungicides and collaborating with research institutes to identify and mitigate the disease. However, farmers emphasize the urgency of immediate support to salvage the current planting season and prevent further devastation to their livelihoods.

    As farmers await government intervention, their plight underscores the critical need for proactive measures to protect agricultural communities from the impacts of crop diseases and ensure food security for vulnerable populations.

  • Oyo Distributes Farm Inputs To Farmers In Saki West, Oorelope, 4 Other LGAs

    Oyo Distributes Farm Inputs To Farmers In Saki West, Oorelope, 4 Other LGAs

     

    The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, on Monday, supervised the distribution of farm inputs and agricultural assets to farmers in Six local government areas of Oyo State.

     

    The flag-off of the distribution in the six LGAs is part of the ongoing Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery programme (SAfER) by the government.

     

    The Commissioner said the Oyo State government is committed to enhancing quality and increased farm produce, in order to boost food security in Oyo State.

     

    Unveiling the distribution at Saki West Local Government, the Commissioner, and Chairman, Food Security under SAfER, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the 4th phase of the farm inputs distribution was officially flagged off at Ibarapa East, Eruwa where about 2537 farmers across Ibarapa zones benefited. 

     

    He said the distribution is ongoing simultaneously at the six local Governments in Oke Ogun which include ATISBO, Saki West, Oorelope, Kajola, Iwajowa and Itesiwaju.

     

    Speaking through the Director, Regulation and Enforcement, Mr. Olusegun Ezekiel, Barr. Oladunkanmi noted that the move was part of the state government plan to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, adding that beneficiaries would go home with herbicides, snap-sack sprayer tank, 16kg hybrid maize seedlings, insecticide and 20 bundles of improved cassava stems.

     

    According to him, about 766 arable farmers would been given inputs in the six local governments in Oke Ogun. 

     

    The Commissioner equally revealed that the fifth phase of the SAfER scheme in the food sector, including free vaccination for cattles, distribution of feed to goat and sheep farmers as well as subsidy on the use of tractors for farmers will commence in the next few weeks.

     

    In their separate remarks, the Baale Agbe ATISBO and Oorelope, Mr. Daniel Oketola and Mr. Oladunni Isaiah commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for bringing succour to farmers in the State.

     

    While the farmer-heads noted that the distribution was timely, they urged farmers to make judicious use of the inputs.

     

  • Challenges Mount for Farmers in Nigeria’s “Food Basket” Amid Climate Change

    Challenges Mount for Farmers in Nigeria’s “Food Basket” Amid Climate Change

    By Milcah Tanimu

    Dry season farming in Benue State, often considered Nigeria’s “food basket,” is facing mounting challenges due to climate change. Aondongu Saaku, a farmer in Gwer East Local Government Area, lamented the poor yield of yams despite applying fertilizers and diligent farming practices. This struggle is shared by many farmers in the region, where extreme weather conditions have become increasingly common.

    Climate Change Impact: Desertification and extreme weather events, exacerbated by factors like deforestation and extensive cultivation, have made farming more difficult. Gwer East has seen a surge in forest fires, leading to significant tree cover loss and emissions. The UNDP-backed initiative is advocating for community action to combat deforestation and land degradation.

    Dry Season Farming Struggles: Dry season farming, crucial for sustaining agricultural production, is facing challenges due to declining soil moisture and increased droughts. Benue State’s reputation as a major agricultural producer is at risk, particularly for crops like yams, mangoes, and rice.

    Water Scarcity and Irrigation: Water scarcity, compounded by dwindling river levels, has made irrigation farming increasingly difficult. Farmers like Japheth Ishenge from Ukum Local Government Area have resorted to cultivating in swamps due to the lack of irrigation equipment and support from the government.

    Financial Hurdles: High input costs, including the price of pumping machines and fertilizers, pose a significant barrier to farmers. Limited access to credit and loans from commercial banks further exacerbates financial challenges, forcing farmers to rely on middlemen for support.

    Innovative Solutions: Some farmers are turning to organic fertilizers like ash to mitigate the impact of high fertilizer costs. Others are exploring alternative methods of obtaining credit and adapting their farming practices to cope with climate change.

    Government Intervention: Farmers are calling for government support in addressing water scarcity, providing irrigation equipment, and implementing climate adaptation strategies. Dredging of major rivers like the Benue and Katsina-Ala is seen as essential to securing water access for agricultural purposes.

    Conclusion: Benue State’s farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, threatening the region’s status as Nigeria’s “food basket.” Urgent action is needed to support farmers, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and implement climate adaptation measures to safeguard food security in the state and beyond.

  • Release Agric. Budget Allocation on Time to Enhance Food Security — Group Charges Kogi

    Release Agric. Budget Allocation on Time to Enhance Food Security — Group Charges Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Chairman of the Budget Committee Group (BCG),Comrade Matthias Okpanachi on Thursday in Lokoja called on Kogi state government to always release agriculture budgetary funds on Time to enhance food security in the state.

    Comrade Okpanachi made the call at a press conference organised by
    Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) and Kogi State Budget Committee Group (BCG) supported by ActionAid Nigeria held at the Youth and Women’s Health Initiative, Lokoja.

    He stressed the need to review existing policies and framework on agriculture to reviews existing policies and initiate a comprehensive policy framework that incorporates the change agenda of the administration which will provide a good anchor and basis for budget formulation and implementation.

    “While we commend the allocation of huge sum once again in the 2024 budget, the allocations might make no difference, if funds are not released.”

    The committee observef that the 2024 Agriculture budget for Kogi State is 3.37% of the total State Budget, which is still a far cry from the 10% benchmark of the Maputo Declaration.

    “This is the third lowest percentage allocation to agricultural sector in Kogi state since 2016 and goes to show the non-commitment of the state to the development of the agriculture sector.”

    “Based on a 2.3% growth rate of the 2006 population census, Kogi population 2024 projected population is 4,666,200. With an estimated allocation of N8,691,408,908 to the agriculture sector, the per capita investment will amount to N1,862.63.”

    “This is a 13% drop in per capital spending in the agriculture sector over the 2023 figures. Again, it points to poor appreciation of the importance of the sector in the State development and poverty reduction.”

    Kogi State Government should urgently increase the allocation for purchase of Farm inputs such as Organic fertilizers, improved seedlings and chemicals and subsidize same for farmers across the state.

    He stressed the need for the State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture to enhance its oversight functions and mandate over the management of public funds in the sector to guarantee greater value for money and ensure the total and timely releases of funds allocated.

    “Smallholder women farmers and Civil Society Organizations needs to be involved and participate in the sector’s budget preparation, approval, monitoring and evaluation processes.”

    Comrade Okpanachi therefore called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to create a forum for consultation as part of the budget preparation processes by organizing a stakeholders consultative meeting on the budget before budget call for circulars.