Press release- FG unveils strategy to tackle nutrition, boost economy- Lokpobiri

                  

The FG has reiterated its readiness to ensure a safe food for all and sundry in Nigeria including the unborn babies and their mothers while pregnant. This commitment was made by the Minister of State, Federal Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri during a high level Round table on Scaling up food system intervention for nutrition through public-private partnership in Abuja.

Rivers’ governor lauds Ogbeh for insulating agric from politics

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has lauded the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh for displaying maturity by ensuring that the issues of food production are insulated from politics. He said this in his welcome address at the 42^nd National Council on Agriculture meeting held at Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Starting a Cocoa Farm This Season

Cocoa

Cocoa, according to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), was introduced by the Portuguese into the Gulf of Guinea from where it got to Nigeria around the last quarter of the 19th Century. The introduced variety was the Amelonado.

Rice Production in Nigeria Increases to 5.8 Million Tonnes

Rice

Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, President Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has said annual rice production in Nigeria has increased from 5.5 million tonnes in 2015 to 5.8 million tonnes in 2017.

Goronyo disclosed in Abuja.

Board Chairman Interview - Seychelles Fishing Authority Should Take Hard Decisions Quickly

Fishing Authority

With limited land resources, Seychelles is dependent on the ocean and for many years the fishery sector has been the 115-island archipelago's second-largest part of the economy, after tourism. As one of the key players in the sector, the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) plays an immense role in promoting sustainable and responsible fishing.

Boxes of Stolen Chicken Portions Stashed Under Bed, Couches in Cape Town

 Chicken

More than 100 boxes of stolen chicken portions were recovered just hours after being taken off a hijacked truck in Nyanga, police said on Wednesday.

Kenya Mulls Specialty Teas Auction At Coast

Tea

Kenya plans to open up a specialty and orthodox tea auction in Mombasa in a move expected to make the country the pioneer purple tea sales host.

Fisheries Official's Laptop Seized Over Alleged Corruption

fish

A government official responsible for managing fishing allocation rights has been implicated in alleged corruption, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has said.

If Drought Continues, More Farmers Will Close Shop - Free State Agriculture CEO

farmland

If the drought continues unabated, it could see more farmers close shop, CEO of Free State Agriculture, Henk Vermeulen, said.

Minister and PS Hard-Pressed to Explain Flour Pricing

A sample of a two-kilo packet of Pembe maize meal that will retail at Sh90 starting on May 17, 2017, according to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett and Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe were on Thursday hard-pressed to explain how they arrived at the subsidized prices for maize flour.

FG takes action against importation, rolls out 200 rice mills

Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has intimated  the Federal Executive  Council headed by the Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo that about 200 rice mills would soon be distributed  to owners against importation and self sufficiency.

Secondary School pupils exposed to agro business at RMRDC

Secondary School pupils

As part of catching them young, youths from secondary schools in Abuja and other elders from the NYSC were gathered yesterday to a lecture about how to make career from agricbusiness.

Wither, Liberian Agriculture?

farmers

The nation yesterday morning awoke to a shocking surprise--the replacement of Agriculture Minister Moses Zinnah by his Deputy for Technical Services, Madam Seklau Wiles.

Genetically Engineered Disappointments

GMO

Advocates of genetically engineered (GE) crops have long claimed that genetic engineering is necessary to raise crop yields and reduce human exposure to agrochemicals. Genetic engineering promised two major improvements: improving yields affordably to feed the world, and making crops resistant to pests to reduce the use of commercial chemical herbicides and insecticides.

Agriculture On Allegations of Corruption Related to Fishing Rights Allocation Process

fishing

DAFF taking action against allegations of corruption related to Fishing Rights Allocation Process

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) of the Republic of South Africa received information about the allegations that could amount to corruption involving a member of the Allocation Team (hereinafter referred to as the "member") in the current Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP).

Rwanda: Youth in Agribusiness Must Make the Most of New Partnership

young farmers

A new five-year partnership agreement between Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) and Ghanaian African Agribusiness Incubation Network (AAIN) was on Wednesday signed to support youth in agribusiness.

Agro Project Targets 400 Farmers

farmers

A three-year agriculture program targeting 400 farmers in Margibi County has been launched by the Association of Evangelicals of Liberia (AEL).The Jersey Project is aimed at empowering local farmers in Gibi and Kakata Districts.

Agro dealers stage peaceful protest in Abuja

Agro dealers stage peaceful protest in Abuja

The Growth Enhancement Scheme Agro-dealers Association of Nigeria (GESAAN) took to the streets of Abuja recently, to protest the nonpayment of a N39 Billion outstanding debt owed them by the Federal Government.

FG to establish Agro-Rangers against cattle rustlers

cow

·       *FMARD set to deploy agric plantation

In combating insecurity as regards food production across the country, the Federal Government has disclosed that it intends to launch a new department called Agro-Rangers, to fight multiple taxation of food; farmers- herdsmen clashes and to put a stop to the activities of the cattle rustlers.

Orange-fleshed sweetpotato in school meals to improve nutrition and cut Nigeria’s wheat imports

school meals

The inclusion of Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) in wheat bread and school meals is boosting the nutritional status of children and could help Nigeria to reduce its imports of wheat drastically.

Kano State Govt to Buy Wheat Seed From Sudan, Saudi Arabia

Wheat Seed

The Kano State Government on Wednesday said it planned to buy wheat seeds from Sudan and Saudi Arabia to boost wheat production in the state.

Zimbabwe: Wheat Farmers Miss Deadline

wheat

MOST farmers have missed the May 15 winter wheat planting deadline after failing to harvest their summer crop in time to make way for the new crop in what could result in output falling far below what is required to meet Zimbabwe's flour requirement.

Apex council approves national commission for agric colleges, among others · Permits Minister to seek FEC approval for TETFUND support

NCARD Group Picture

The 2017 National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development (NCARD) under the steering chairmanship of the Minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh has approved about nine major proposals for action implementations for year.

Remembering the Farmers Who Died Trying to Feed Nation

South Africa

Every year, the list of farmers on the Wall of Remembrance at Nampo Park in Bothaville, Free State, grows longer.

Nigeria: Wealth of 5 Richest Nigerians Can End Extreme Poverty in Nigeria - Oxfam

Aliko Dangote.

The Inequality report released by Oxfam International on Wednesday, revealed that the combined wealth of five richest Nigerians, put at $29.9 billion, could end extreme poverty in the country.

Kenya: Fertiliser and Disease Partly to Blame for Maize Shortage

armyworms

Suspect subsidized fertilizer and a lethal maize disease are partly to blame for the current acute shortage of Kenya's staple food.

Unmasking The Billionaire Millers Who Shipped Maize to Mombasa

The MV IVS Pinehurst after it docked at the port of Mombasa on Tuesday with 29,900 tons of maize.

As many questions remain unanswered on the identity of the billionaire millers who brought in the cargo of maize, what is clear is that they have been here before - done that.

Zimbabwe: Compensation for Seized Land 'An Urgent Issue', Germany Tells Zimbabwe

A Tobacco farm in Zimbabwe.

Germany has reportedly demanded compensation for land seized from its citizens during Zimbabwe's controversial land reforms, saying this was "an urgent and important issue".

East Africa: Tanzania Inks Cassava Export Deal to China

Cassava

Tanzania has secured a cassava exporting deal to China for unlimited amount, thanks to an agreement signed in Beijing yesterday after the end of Belt and Road Forum.

Ghana: Fisheries Minister Inaugurates Task Force On Inspection of Fishing Vessels

Task Force On Inspection of Fishing Vessels

An eight-member Task Force that will enforce fisheries law and regulations has been inaugurated in Accra.

Kenya's Deputy President Defends Intervention in Maize Crisis

A couple at the Ronald Ngala branch of Tuskys Supermarket in Nairobi purchase a packet of maize flour on May 17, 2017.

Deputy President William Ruto Tuesday went full-throttle to defend the government's intervention in the maize shortage, debunking what he said were lies well told to criticise its solutions.

Why Africa is Due to Import U.S.$110 Billion Food By 2025

Tomatoe

The African continent has the potential to feed itself and even have surplus food to export to other parts of the world. But instead, the continent imports $35 billion worth of food and agricultural products every year, and if the current predictions hold, the import bill will rise to $110 billion annually by 2025.

PRESS RELEASE - FG UNVEILS STRATEGY TO TACKLE NUTRITION AND BOOST ECONOMY-LOKPOBIRI

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri

The FG has again expressed determination to ensure that agriculture and food system support access to nutritious foods at every stage of human life from the pregnant mother to the unborn child and also from birth to the elderly.

Child Malnutrition Surges in Somalia

Child Malnutrition Surges in Somalia

The projected number of children expected to suffer has skyrocketed, doubling since January of this year. The country's combination of drought, dislocation, and disease is proving fatal for children.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced in a statement on Tuesday that the number of children projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in Somalia during 2017 increased by 50 percent since initial estimates at the beginning of this year.

Thousands of Ghanaian Farmers to 'Plants for Food and Jobs'

Under a campaign, farmers would be supported in the effort to increase production

More than 27,000 farmers in the Brong-Ahafo Region have registered to benefit from the 'Planting for Food and Jobs' campaign, Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, said last week.

IAR 2017 Annual Research Review and REFILS demand for timely inputs supply

IAR 2017 Annual Research Review and REFILS Group Picture

·        *Advocate for mandate review of research institutes

·        *Says 2016 cropping season successful…

The 2017 annual research review and planning meeting organized by Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) attracted many stakeholders with a call for the need to review mandates of these Institutes just as proper funding was among the focal points.

Poverty is Sexist, Bill and Melinda Gates Say in Annual Letter

Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation

Bill and Melinda Gates have released their annual letter, and this time it is addressed to their "dear friend" Warren Buffett, who donated most of his fortune to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in order to fight disease and reduce inequity.

In the 2017 letter, they reply to a letter Buffett sent them, asking the Gates's to "reflect on what impact his gift has had on the world".

Here are excerpts taken from the letter - you can also read the full letter here:

Report on On-Farm Trial of GMO rice hazy

GMO

Contrary to the impression created by a social media report that on-farm trials on  Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) rice was going on at the National Cereals Institute (NCRI) Baddegi, Niger State, it has been found that the situation remains unclear although the technology has been reportedly cautiously accepted by the scientists who see the technology as a means to feed the fast-growing  Nigerian population which is already hitting over 200million.

How Men and Women Respond Differently to Climate Change in Benin

farmer

As climate change brings with it increased extreme weather events, one of the pressing issues for Africa's farmers will be how to address these challenges. One dimension to be factored in is that men and women farmers are responding to the pressures differently. The Conversation Africa's Samantha Spooner asked Grace Villamor about her research on gender-specific responses by farmers in Benin.

Sudan Agriculture Bank Signs Deals With U.S. Firms

farmer

The Sudanese Agricultural Bank has signed four agreements with major American companies in the fields of axial irrigation, irrigation pumps, silos, solar energy, and water technology.

Tanzania Now Sole Beans Producer, Feeding 10 African Countries

Beans

Tanzania exports over a million metric tonne of beans to ten countries in Africa as well as India, making it the sole producer of the important legume to millions of people on the continent.

Nigerian Officials Jailed for Stealing Rice Meant for Food Aid

IDP camp

A Borno State High Court, sitting in Maiduguri, sentenced two men to two years in prison for stealing rice donated by foreign donors to internally displaced persons.

Lawmakers Split On Uhuru Move to Lower Food Prices

President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta's announcement that a supplementary budget will be presented to Parliament as it resumes today to address the cost of living has been received mixed reactions from leaders.

‘Nigeria should develop her standards that keys in into international standards’

Engr. Segun Bolaji

Engr. Segun Bolaji is a director of S.Adiss Agricultural Engineering Limited, indigenous fabricators of feed mills and other production and processing machines since 1979. Here, in this interview conducted on the grounds of Eagle Square, Abuja he spoke on the quality of locally fabricated equipment and why Nigeria should have her own standards. Excerpts…

There is need to support realization of potentials of high yielding crops with fertilizer---Agric minister

Chief Audu Ogbeh

* Nigeria will save N1.71b if adopts UDP

The minister of agriculture and rural development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said it was important to recognize the need to support the realization of the genetic potential of our increasingly high-yielding crop varieties being adopted by Nigeria’s numerous farmers with appropriate fertilizer.

New helmsman resumes at BOA for re-capitalization

Central Bank Governor.

The new managing director, Bank of Agriculture (BOA) Dr. Kabiru Mohammed has officially taken over the management leadership of the bank , and this is towards ensuring the N500 billion recapitalization meant to address credit challenges to both small and large scale farmers.

Editorial- Don’t subject Research Institutes to ridicule

Research

The deplorable conditions of most research Institutes in Nigeria should be a concern for anybody who may have witnessed what it used to be during the colonial era in the time past. The legacies left behind In the research institutes are almost disappeared in many of these Institutes as a result of paucity of funds.

DISBURSEMENT OF FADAMA APPROVED LOAN 2010 FADAMA III

         DISBURSEMENT OF FADAMA APPROVED LOAN 2010 FADAMA III

N39 Billion debt: Agro dealers stage peaceful protest in Abuja

Agro-dealers

The Growth Enhancement Scheme Agro-dealers Association of Nigeria (GESAAN) took to the streets of Abuja on Tuesday to protest the non payment of a N39 Billion outstanding debt owed them by the Federal Government.