Hybrid Maize As Panacea For Improved Seed Yield

Hybrid Maize farmer

Maize was introduced into Africa in the 1500s and has since become one of Africa’s dominant food crops. Like many other regions, it is consumed as a vegetable although it is a grain crop. The grains are rich in vitamins A, C and E, carbohydrates, and essential minerals, and contain 9 percent protein. They are also rich in dietary fibre and calories which are a good source of energy.

USAID: Quality Fertiliser Will Improve Food Security, Poverty Alleviation

farmland

The United States Aid (USAID)director, Michael Harvey, has said that quality fertiliser will improve food security and ensure poverty alleviation in Africa.

Stakeholders Call For Annulment Of Nigerian Biosafety Act

Min. Agric

Stakeholders on the aegis of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), the African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN),  Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) have called on the Nigerian government to annul the Nigerian Biosafety Management Act (2015).

‘Tomato Tuta Absoluta Can Cause 50% Yields Reduction’

Tomatoes

The former managing director of Katsina State Agriculture Development Programme (ADP), Alh Abashe Saidu, has tasked the federal government to urgently arrest the spread of the pest affecting tomato production, Tuta absoluta.

SESAME SEED

Sesame seed

Sesame seed, sesamum indicum is a flowering plant. This is seed has a wide variety of relative spread in Africa. Widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and dating as old as man’s existence, it is the oldest known oil seed to man. Sesame seed was domesticated over 3000 years ago for consumption. It is highly tolerant to drought  and can grow where other crops fail.

AFDB, IITA, Nigeria and others partner to finance youth agricultural business

Senator. Heinekan Lokpobiri

Effort towards ensuring food security using the ingenuity of the youths garnered momentum as African Development Bank (AFDB) has concluded arrangement to inject a total of 12.5 billion dollar to supporting younger ones going into agricultural business.

Grazing Crisis: Ajimobi holds talks with Farmers, Herdsmen and Police

Senator Abiola Ajimobi

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has outlawed night grazing and straying of cows outside a proposed ‘enclosed designated grazing areas’ across the state, just as he warned farmers against poisoning farmlands and water.ThisDay Reports.

TUTA ABSOLUTA: Tomato Farmers count losses

Tomato Farmers count losses

As the outcry against the ravaging Tuta absoluta disease of tomato continues to resonate, more farmers have lamented their losses to this menace.

Action on implementing soil/crop specific fertilizer application commences

soil/crop

Based on the approval of the memorandum on the need to adopt soil/ crop specific application viz-a-viz complimentary use of organic and inorganic fertilizer by farmers, the newly constituted National Fertilizer technical Committee has since swam into action by meeting with blenders in order to intimate them into keying into Federal Government directives of production in line of the new formulation.

Ekiti State Governor declares war on Herdsmen

Herdsmen Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose,  has declared war on herdsmen in Ekiti State.   While addressing hunters yesterday, the number one citizen in Ekiti charged the people to take up arms.

We’ve 80% cocoa farmers’ data for high productivity says re-elect CAN President

CAN National President Sayina Rima, with CAN Stakeholders

In a bit to ensure increase production of Covoa from present level of 250,000 metric tons to one million in the country, the reelect president of Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mr. Sayina Rima has said the association was able to collate about 80% data information of members across the producing states in the country at all the value chains saying all necessary information about a farmer are captured. Read the excerpt of his interview below.

Miyetti Allah Commends FG For Providing Grazing Areas For Fulani Pastoralists

Miyetti Allah

The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, the umbrella socio-cultural association of Fulanis in Nigeria and Diaspora has commended the Federal government for its renewed efforts in providing grazing areas for the Fulani Pastoralist and pledged their total support to the initiatives.

Livestockpolicy: how fodder solution can help to checkmate farmers/Pastoral conflict

livestock

Many agricultural experts have agreed that injecting modern day technologies into Nigeria policy of feeding livestock would save us from many conflicts frequently recorded between herdsmen and farmers presently in Nigeria.

FG to ban importation of wheat, sugar, cotton, others by 2018 –Trade Minister

Aisha Abubakar

The Minister of State for In­dustry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, on Wednes­day disclosed that the Federal Government would ban the importation of six commodi­ties by 2018.

Rescuing animal productivity from FMARD internal crisis

Chief Audu Ogbeh.

The challenges facing animals productivity in the country may be deepened if appropriate steps are not taken to correct the internal posting recently carried out in the Department of Animal and Husbandry of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

NCAM bill passes second reading at the National assembly

ncam 2016 training calendar

The Lower chambers of the National Assembly led by Hon.YakubuDogara  has passed the second reading of a bill asking for a new Act to empower  National Agricultural Mechanization Centre (NCAM) to effectively perform its function through funding to researching into simple agricultural tools that will reduce drudgery in the farm.

National Committee registers 17 new crops varieties, NASC insist on local production

Prof. Olusoji Olafajo, with National Chairman Varietal registration, Chief Oladosun Awoyomi and CEO NACGRAB, Dr. Sunday Alade

Another seventeen new hybrid crops has been registered this year by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeders and Fisheries at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACRAB), Ibadan, Oyo state.

‘Beware of famine’- Ondo farmers warn

 famine

Farmers, under the auspices of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), on Wednesday, warned of an imminent famine that would further worsen the already bad situation of the agriculture sector of the country.

Fulani herdsmen strike fear into Nigerian villagers

A man with a bandaged head walks outside the hospital on May 5, 2016 after surviving a Fulani herdsman attack in Nsukka, south-east Nigeria. Photo: AFP/Stefan Heunis

OKOKOLO – Blessing Joseph lies on a sofa, her eyes fixed on the butt of a rifle that she says she won't hesitate to use if Fulani herdsmen come back to her remote village in central Nigeria.

Our ordeal during insurgency says Provost, Fed College of Fresh Water Fisheries Technology, Baga, Maiduguri.

Mrs (Dr) Roselyn Obande

The Provost, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Mrs (Dr) Roselyn Obande has expressed the need for more peace in the North East of Nigeria pleading with government to come to the aid of the farmers and farming activities in the region as many lives and properties have been lost to insurgency in the last five years which did not spare her College. In her interview with Food Farm News at Maiduguri she advised that youths should harness opportunity in fisheries to create job forthemselves. Read the excerpts of her chat with us.

Cross River Commences Rehabilitation Of 83km Roads To Cocoa Estate

Cocoa

The Cross River State Government has said that it has commenced the rehabilitation of a total of 83 kilometres stretch of roads in the various cocoa estates across the state.

Stakeholders demand probe into 10Billion cassava intervention fund

President Mohammadu Buhari

Some aggrieved stakeholders have called on President Mohammadu Buhari to turn his corruption search light in the direction of how the over ten billion naira intervention fund meant to enhance cassava production towards 10% inclusion of its high quality flour into wheat bread was spent.

Herdsmen attacks: Enugu CAN rejects grazing reserve bill •As gov inaugurates 7-man judicial commission

Enugu State

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter, has rejected the proposed bill for grazing reserve in the country, describing it as a “private business” that should not be allowed to see the light of the day.

CSR Practitioners Training 2016

CSR Practitioners Training 2016

Don’t miss this opportunity to get the basic information on Corporate Social Responsibilities(CSR)especially using the agricultural sector of Nigeria.International and well experienced experts would be on ground to equip you.

Kaduna Govt To Supply 70,000 Tones Of Fertilizers For 2016 Farming Season

Kaduna State Governor

The Kaduna State Government on Friday said that it would supply 70,000 tonnes of fertilisers to farmers for 2016 farming season to boost agriculture in the state.

World Bank To Support Irrigation Farming In 8 Northern States

The World Bank

The World Bank is set to support irrigation farming in about eight states from northern Nigeria, the bank’s representative, Mr David Casanova, has said.

Cowpea (Beans) Subsector to get major attention – Minister

cowpea

The Federal Government on Thursday said it was putting necessary mechanism in place to reposition the cowpea (beans) sub-sector for better performance at both local and international markets.

Caribou Coffee(R) Brews Up New Ready-to-Drink Premium Iced Coffee

Caribou Coffee is expanding its caffeinated possibilities to its fans and soon-to-be fans nationwide. The cherished Minneapolis-based coffeehouse company is introducing new ready-to-drink Caribou Premium Iced Coffee into their extensive line of quality, handcrafted beverages. Available in three delicious flavors -- Chocolate Mocha, Vanilla and Sea Salt Caramel -- Caribou Premium Iced Coffee is the perfect coffeehouse treat that's ready to drink when you're on the go or when you need help conquering the day, no matter what's in store.
Made with authentic, perfectly brewed Caribou Coffee and premium ingredients -- like real chocolate and caramel -- and real milk, Caribou Premium Iced Coffee is the delicious drink to help fuel life's adventures, both big and small.
"Following a successful test market launch, we are thrilled to introduce Caribou Premium Iced Coffee to new and longstanding Caribou fans across the country," said Michele Vig, Chief Marketing Officer, Caribou Coffee. "Caribou Coffee is focused on superior taste and ingredients in all of our products, and our ready-to-drink premium coffee represents our latest real-flavor innovation."
Caribou Premium Iced Coffee is now available in the dairy case at grocery and convenience stores nationwide, as well as Caribou coffeehouses, in 14-ounce portable single-serve and 32-ounce multi-serve bottles for an SRP of $2.99 and $3.49, respectively.
For more information about new Caribou Premium Iced Coffee, please visit CaribouIcedCoffee.com. To stay up to date on the latest and greatest Caribou Coffee news, find Caribou Coffee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Why Northwest Govs Met Over Agric Action Plan – Tambuwal

stakeholders

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday averred that closer collaboration among all stakeholders and regional integration are key ingredients for the expansion and sustenance of agricultural activities in the North West geo-political zone of the country.

How to Genuinely Boost Farming – Gojogojo

Alhaji Yau Umar Gojogojo

Alhaji Yau Umar Gojogojo is the chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Katsina State, and the proprietor of the famous Tafkin Bauna Farms. In this interview with MUAZU ELAZEH, he bares his mind on how the nation can attain self-sufficiency in food production and ultimately diversify the economy.

Nigerians Rush For Food Ahead Of Labour Strike

market

Nigerians have started stockpiling food ahead of the ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the coalition of the civil society organizations that petrol price be reverted to N86.50 or all workers would embark on a strike.E-Business Reports.

Group Trains Students On Cassava Planting

Group Trains Students On Cassava Planting

An international agriculture organization, Harvestplus Nigeria, on Monday said it had trained students of Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, on vitamin A cassava production, using cassava planting machine.

Agriculturist Advises Maize Farmers To Finish Planting Before End Of May

maize

Farmers have been urged to finish maize planting for the current planting season before the end of May.
An Agriculturist, Mr Michael Ogunsusi of Beulak Farms in Ayedun, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti, Odo-Ayedun.

Tomatoes,rice and garri still maintain high price in Lagos

high price in Lagos

The prices of tomatoes, rice and garri, which went up at the turn of the season, have yet to come down in most markets in Lagos metropolis, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

We Did Not Remove Subsidy On Fertilizer – FG

Chief Audu Ogbe

The Federal Government has refuted the claims that it has removed the subsidy on fertilizer as reported by some media recently.

ECOWAS Seeks Harmonised Fertiliser Policy Among Member States

Fertilizer

The  Africa Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnerships (AFAP) Regional director, Mr Pierre Brunache has said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has firmed up plans to harmonize fertilizer policy among its member states.

Erisco Aims At One Million Metric Tonnes of Tomato Processing by end of 2106

Tomato

The Chief Executive Officer, Erisco Foods Limited, Mr. Eric Umeofia has said that his firm is targeting to achieve one million metric tonnes of tomato processing by the fourth quarter 2016.

ALMOND PLANT: UNIUYO kick starts Revolution in Nigeria

Almond

The University of Uyo is nursing a revolution in the breeding of the tree crop Prunus dulcis, commonly known as Almond for its numerous health,pharmaceutical and economic values.

Herdsmen Attack: We Killed To Avenge Our 800 Stolen Cows by Tivs – Fulani Spokesman

clash

Last weekend’s bloody attack by Fulani herdsmen on Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State has been blamed on Tiv youths.

Soldiers, policemen take over communities over killing of 12 people by Fulani herdsmen

riot

Armed soldiers and riot policemen have now taken over Coromo, Dan- Anacha and Mutum Biyu communities in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State where herdsmen reportedly killed 12 people including seven men, two women and children, and seriously wounded about 18 others seriously. Altogether, 13 houses were burnt,Vanguard Reports.

Cattle Breeders Have Lost An Estimated 35m Cows To Rustlers – Zuru

Cattle Breeders

The national chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Kiruwa Zuru, has lamented that law abiding herdsmen have lost an estimated 35 million cows to cattle rustlers.

Kogi Govt Opens Feeder Roads To Boost Agriculture

Governor Yahaya Bello

Kogi government is set to open up rural feeder roads to boost agricultural production and easy evacuation of farm produce to markets in and around the state.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut

Coconut oil has a multitude of health benefits, which include but are not limited to skin care, hair care, improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and diseases.

No grazing land in Benue —Ortom

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has called for the establishment of ranches for Fulani herdsmen and their cattle to reduce the incidence of clashes between them and farmers across the country.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass

The health benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil can be attributed to its many beneficial properties as an analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, galactogogue, insecticidal, nervine, sedative and tonic substance.

INTL FCStone Partners AFEX Nigeria to host International Commodity Trading and Risk Management Seminar

AFEX Nigeria Ltd

It was supposed to be a gathering of just fifty at the Transcorp Hilton but the numbers doubled, a clear testament to the fact that many stakeholders have an appetite for learning the prospects for agriculture from a properly run Agro-Commodities Exchange.

AGRICTECH invites you to AGRICTECH FAIR AND DISPLAY

The AGRICTECH FAIR AND DISPLAY offers not only a broad range of opportunities for showing and presenting professional and sector-specific connections extending well beyond the pure production, machinery and equipment sector, but also a unique cultural display from different ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Arrested members are not rustlers – FCT herders

Rice And Wheat Farmers Are Important Under Buhari’s Presidency – Vice President Osinbajo

Vice President Osinbajo

President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN says the Buhari presidency has a clear idea on how to execute its agricultural policy to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, and diversify the economy in the process.

Low Commodity Prices Continue to Impede Growth

farmer

Economic activity in Sub-Saharan Africa slowed in 2015, with GDP growth averaging 3.0 percent, down from 4.5 percent in 2014. This means that the pace of expansion decelerated to the lows last seen in 2009.

The Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, says the National Assembly will not support the creation of grazing reserves anywhere in the country.

Chief Ike Ekweremadu

The Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, says the National Assembly will not support the creation of grazing reserves anywhere in the country.