AgroNigeria

03/07/2024

The National Space Research and Development Agency in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Aerospace Information Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has launched Crop Watch, a satellite-based agricultural monitoring system.

The CropWatch system uses remote sensing and ground observation data to evaluate crop growth, yield, and related information at both national and global levels.

The system provides open and customizable agricultural production information services, enabling stakeholders to calibrate, localise, and automatically generate agro-climatic and agronomic indicators.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/fg-launches-satellite-based-agricultural-monitoring-system-to-boost-food-security/

03/07/2024

Following the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Chike Okafor during the plenary in Abuja, the House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security and Agricultural Production and Services, Agricultural Colleges and Institutions and Finance to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misuse of government interventions and two trillion agricultural funding scheme.

Investigations quarters included departments, agencies, Schemes and Programmes of the Federal Government outside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Moving the motion, Okafor noted that there is growing food scarcity and malnutrition in Nigeria and the alleged mismanagement of agricultural funds intended for agricultural development in the country.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/hor-orders-committee-to-probe-n2tn-agricultural-funding-initiative/

03/07/2024

The Federal Government has approved the exemption of small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers from paying withholding tax as part of efforts to reduce the tax burden on businesses.

This decision introduces significant changes to the existing tax regime, including reduced rates for businesses with low margins and measures to curb tax evasion.

The development was made known on Tuesday by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, who announced on his official X handle that President Bola Tinubu has approved the new withholding tax regime. The official gazette is expected to be signed in the coming days.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/fg-exempts-small-businesses-farmers-from-paying-withholding-tax/

03/07/2024

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently address Nigeria’s ongoing food insecurity through a mechanised agricultural revolution.

This resolution came after the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo, who sought the House’s intervention .

He emphasised the Parliament’s constitutional duty to enact laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the federation, as outlined in Section 4(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/reps-advocate-mechanised-agriculture-to-enhance-food-production/

03/07/2024

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority have agreed to partner on the food security project of the NDRBDA aimed at boosting massive agricultural activities to tackle food problems in the region.

The two federal agencies reached an understanding when the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDRBDA, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, visited the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, in his office in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking during the visit, Otuaro assured Amgbare of the PAP’s readiness to support the project titled,”Food Security is the Real Security”, saying that the Niger Delta was endowed with fertile soil and an attractive farming climate for sustainable food production and entrepreneurship in the region.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/pap-ndrbda-to-partner-on-food-security-project/

03/07/2024

…ANIL NAIR believes that Africa’s food trade deficit can be offset by improving crop yields across the continent

Africa’s food trade deficit is concerning. Having lived in Nigeria for 25 years, I have seen the amazing possibilities in the agriculture value chain. The vast arable land on the continent. The ingenuity of the people. The sheer commitment to work. The desire for a better life. The growing population of active men and women. The willing consumer base. For whatever it is worth, Africa has no reason to be a net importer of food. The reality should be otherwise.

Without mincing words, Africa can transform from a food-importing continent to a major food exporter.

Africa Has a Significant Portion of Global Arable Land

Let’s dive straight into statistics. Africa has 18% of the world’s arable land and 18% of the world’s population. Africa has a total land mass of 3 billion Ha out of which 253 million Ha are arable lands. Out of these 253 million Ha 203 million is used for crop production and the remaining 50 Mn is available for cultivation, these are temporary fallow lands and temporary meadows and pastures.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/opinion-editorial-fostering-africas-net-food-exporter-aspiration/

03/07/2024

Dr. Folayinka Dania, Lagos State Chief Resilience Officer (LASRO), urged for sustainable solutions to address the numerous challenges facing Lagos’ citizens during the Lagos Resilience Forum. The forum was themed “Leveraging Resilience for Lagos’ Development Trajectory”.

Dania emphasised the significant impacts of climate change on the environment, highlighting the state’s climate change adaptation and resilience plan. The plan aims to protect coastal communities, improve waste management and water supply, enhance infrastructure to prevent flooding in schools and public places, and protect critical infrastructure.

Speaking further, she warned of the potential costs of inaction, estimating damages of $33 billion to $39 billion by 2050, nearly 12 times the state’s annual budget. She noted that approximately $9 billion is needed to implement the necessary measures, and the state is exploring various financing mechanisms to support these projects. Additionally, Dania stressed the crucial role of community members in waste management and the need for education on reducing waste, reusing, and recycling to mitigate climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/resilience-officer-advocates-sustainable-climate-solutions/

03/07/2024

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has announced a 50% reduction in the prices of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to enhance food security in the state.

The announcement was made at the flag-off of the 2024 farming season’s sales and distribution of these inputs at the farm center in Minna.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing agriculture and investing in machinery and technology to increase productivity, aligning with his ambitious New Niger Agenda.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/gov-bago-subsidises-fertiliser-farm-inputs-by-50-for-niger-farmers/

03/07/2024

Niger State government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to enhance food security by involving corps members posted to the state in agricultural activities.

The MoU was signed at the Government House in Minna on Tuesday, with Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago representing Niger State and Minister for Youth Development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, signing on behalf of the ministry.

Governor Umaru-Bago noted that the agreement is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food security in Nigeria adding that the state would partner with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in youth empowerment and food production.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/niger-state-partners-youth-ministry-to-engage-corps-members-in-agriculture/

02/07/2024

Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament to address pressing issues in the sub-region, including terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, climate change, and bad governance.

He made this call during the opening of the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the sixth legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who was inaugurated as a member of the parliament, Abbas emphasised the need for member states to demonstrate commitment and drive change. He stressed that the resolutions of the ECOWAS parliament can only be effective when member states show eagerness to implement them.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/speaker-abbas-to-ecowas-parliament-address-pressing-issues-of-terrorism-climate-change-others/

02/07/2024

The Federal Government in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, on Monday, distributed assorted commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable persons in the state.

After receiving the commodities at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agodi Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital, the state governor, Seyi Makinde warned the 33 Local Government chairmen in the state not to share the commodities among their political class.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, reminded them that security operatives, especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission would monitor the distribution.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/fg-oyo-govt-distribute-assorted-commodities-to-vulnerable-persons/

02/07/2024

Agricultural stakeholders have lamented the absence of climate change policy in Benue State, attributing it to one of the significant factors limiting the improvement of crop production in the state.

This was disclosed during the stakeholders’ engagement on Climate Change Adaptation and Building Climate Resilience in Rice and Livestock Systems in Benue and Nasarawa states.

A lecturer at the Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Gboko, Ver Abraham, in his lecture titled ‘Identification of Existing Gaps that Limit the Adoption of Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Technologies in Rice Production,’ urged policymakers to develop Climate policies and Action Plans tailored to each region’s specific needs and vulnerabilities.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/stakeholders-lament-absence-of-climate-change-adaptation-policy-in-benue/

02/07/2024

Taraba State’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Aisha Barde, has launched a large-scale reforestation effort in rural communities in collaboration with the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReDAL) project, which is funded by the World Bank.

The project aims to address land degradation and climate change challenges in northern Nigeria.

During a press briefing in Jalingo, the state capital, Barde announced that the ministry, with the support of ACReSAL, has successfully planted three million trees in rural communities across the state. She emphasised that this initiative is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/climate-change-taraba-launches-large-scale-reforestation-programme-in-rural-communities/

02/07/2024

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has warned its newly elected states’ executives to desist from getting involved in extortion, illegal issues and touting or risk suspension.

Its national president, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, issued the warning in a statement on Monday.

He said that the actions of miscreants have tarnished the good image of the Fulani people and urged the new leadership to work towards ridding those with criminal tendencies from their midst.

The president also called on members to be law abiding and report any act of injustice they face, assuring them that, as citizens, they are entitled to their full rights.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/macban-warns-new-executives-against-extortion-illegal-issues/

02/07/2024

The House of Representatives member, representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, in collaboration with the Federal College of Horticulture, Norton Innovation Services Ltd and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has empowered no fewer than 200 widows and youths in Awka North and South LGAs in Anambra State with the essential skills and resources to establish small-scale businesses.

The empowerment programme, held at St. Mathews Parish, Amawbia, followed a comprehensive training programme at Ndi Ichie village hall, Umudioka, Awka, was aimed at uplifting the vulnerable members of the society and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Participants received practical guidance on launching grinding machine enterprises, essential skills for economic self-sufficiency and community development.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/200-women-youths-get-empowerment-support-in-anambra/

02/07/2024

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aivedatiwa, has reiterated his commitment to further enhance the existing relationship between the state and the People’s Republic of China to boost the economic fortunes of the state.

The governor, disclosed this, while receiving the Deputy Mayor of the Linyi Municipal People’s Government of Shandong City, China, Sun Deshi, and his team at the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital,

Speaking on the mutual benefits for Nigeria and China, he emphasised that the state is rich in natural and human resources.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/ondo-govt-to-deepen-economic-ties-with-china/

02/07/2024

Prof. Chijioke Nwosu, an Emeritus Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s continued allowance of open grazing in Nigeria in the 21st century.

Nwosu made these remarks in Nsukka on Monday during his lead paper presentation at the Maiden Conference and Alumni Home-Coming 2024 of the Department of Animal Science, UNN.

The event, themed “Innovative Approach to Sustainable Livestock Production and Protein Supply in the 21st Century: A Panacea to Food Security in Nigeria,” emphasised the need for modern livestock production practices.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/emeritus-professor-expresses-concern-over-open-grazing-in-21st-century/

02/07/2024

Sector Counsellor of Food and Agriculture at the Royal Danish Consulate General in Lagos, Nigeria, Sanne Chipeta, and Snorri Sigurdsson, a Danish investor in Nigeria, emphasised that access to land, education, and finance is essential for encouraging young people to engage in agriculture and achieve success in their endeavours.

During a recent visit to the IITA Youth in Agribusiness (IYA) Office at the institute’s headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, the team noted that Nigeria has the potential to boost agricultural productivity by harnessing its abundant human and natural resources.

Chipeta highlighted the importance of addressing literacy and land access issues in a structured manner to promote efficiency and sustainability as efforts to encourage more youth to engage in agriculture continue.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/danish-envoy-investor-seek-increased-youth-participation-in-nigerian-agriculture/

01/07/2024

Happy new month!

01/07/2024

01/07/2024

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to invest more in the agricultural sector to enhance the economy.

The association made the call on Saturday, at the Investiture of the 4th chairman of Gwagwalada and District Society of ICAN and inauguration of the Executive Committee in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

While making the call, the new Chairman, Sosanwo Akinwunmi, Fellow of Chartered Accountants, said there was a need for improvement in the economy through gainful initiatives and investment in the areas of agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises, inclusive.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/ican-calls-for-more-investments-in-agriculture/

01/07/2024

Expressing the plans of his administration for the agricultural sector, the Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured stakeholders that farm inputs, tractorization and the issue of food security are being addressed by his government.

Speaking on Friday evening after a meeting with a Nordic firm interested in setting up a tractor assembly plant in Osun, the state Governor said his plans for the agricultural sector are robust and all inclusive , adding that “ the state is now set for implementation of various programmes in the sector.

“We take agriculture very seriously. Our government decided to first focus on bridging the infra deficit to strengthen connectivity between rural and urban areas. We first focused on building the roads and bridges as a condition to empower the agricultural sector in the area of transportation and market linkages.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/osun-govt-assures-farmers-of-farm-inputs-tractors/

01/07/2024

Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State has said the state government is to set up Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) as initiated by the combined team of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the State Government.

This was made known in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Ismaila Isah on Friday.

The statement noted that Governor Ododo expressed this development plan when he hosted a delegation from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/kogi-set-to-develop-special-agro-industrial-processing-zones/

01/07/2024

To encourage vegetable farming in Kano state, no fewer than 36,000 farmers, mostly women, have received improved vegetable seedlings to enable them set up homestead vegetable gardens in Kano State.

The Senior Programme Officer of Solidaridad Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ita, made the disclosure during a policy dialogue on transforming Nigeria‘s vegetable farming in Kano.

Speaking, he said the project gained entry into Kano State in 2020 through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aim of transforming Nigeria’s vegetable market, noting that it was being implemented in nine LGAs of the state.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/homestead-farm-36000-farmers-get-improved-vegetable-seedlings-in-kano/

01/07/2024

The Plateau Government, through the Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), has donated a tractor to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area to enhance agricultural productivity in the region.

Mr. Luka Dakul, Mangu Site ASTC Manager, handed over the tractor to Mr. Christopher Manship, Chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee for Qua’an Pan LGA, on Saturday in Jos.

Dakul emphasised that this initiative aims to promote food sufficiency in the area.

Reiterating the state government’s dedication to reviving the economy through agriculture, Dakul highlighted the goal of repositioning Plateau as the home of peace and tourism.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/plateau-govt-donates-tractor-to-boost-farming-in-quaan-pan-lga/

01/07/2024

The chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Bauchi State Chapter, Kabiru Adam, has said that livestock production can generate substantial revenue through modern livestock systems, calling for collaboration with the state government.

Adam said this at a news conference held in Bauchi, the state capital, where he expressed the association’s commitment to collaborating with the Bauchi State Government to revitalise the moribund meat factory and establish security structures within communities across the state.

According to him, reviving the state-owned meat factory would create employment opportunities and facilitate economic growth.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/miyetti-cattle-breeders-to-collaborate-with-bauchi-govt-on-modern-livestock-farming-system/

01/07/2024

The Country Director of Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF, Dr. Simba Tirima has disclosed that approximately 2.6 million children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition, with another nine million moderately malnourished.

This was made known at an event organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare held on Saturday, in Abuja.

Earlier in June, the Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, said its inpatient facilities in northern Nigeria recorded an extraordinary increase in admissions of severely malnourished children with life-threatening complications, exceeding last year’s figures by over 100 per cent in some locations.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/2-6m-children-in-nigeria-suffer-severe-acute-malnutrition-msf/

01/07/2024

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission, has empowered over 26,000 youth and female farmers in the Niger Delta through its Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises (LIFE-ND) project.

IFAD Country Director, Madam Dede Ekoue made this announcement on Saturday following the fourth supervision mission of the project in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Ekoue, who was represented by the Project Technical Lead and Global Technical Specialist for Rural Development and Institutions, Dr. Abdoulaye Gonde, highlighted the project’s commitment to empowering vital components of society.

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/ifad-empowers-26000-youths-women-farmers-in-ndelta/

01/07/2024

As part of the programme to celebrate her 22nd birthday, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has partnered with Lagos Food Bank Initiative to provide nutrition for 21 families within the Agege Community of Lagos State.

While speaking at the event, which had in attendance members of the Mavin team and the LFBI team, as well as the beneficiaries of this initiative, Ayra Starr said, “I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate my 22nd birthday.

“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative and use my platform in such a meaningful and impactful way.”

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/lagos-food-bank-ayra-starr-partner-to-feed-21-families-in-agege-community/

01/07/2024

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has emphasised the transformative potential of advanced technologies in revolutionising agricultural practices and enhancing food security in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of a survey on the digitization of supply chains in small-scale Nigerian farms, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, highlighted the critical role of these technologies.

The event, held on Friday in Abuja, was organised by AGROVESTO, an agritech startup and beneficiary of the iHatch Incubation Programme by NITDA, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Read more: https://agronigeria.ng/nitda-seeks-adoption-of-advanced-technologies-to-revolutionise-agricultural-practices/