Free School Meals: FG signs MoU on High Nutrient Density Biscuit

Free School Meals

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASCO Foods Limited, Jos for the commercial production of high nutrient density (HND) biscuit for the National School Feeding Programme, the Vanguard reports.

BOA Targets N250bn Minimum Capital Base To Boost Agriculture

Agric Minister

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has highlighted its desire to adequately finance agriculture in the country as it sets a minimum capital base target of N250 billion.

Tomato paste brands’ war heightens as local manufacturers caution

Tomato paste brands

Though the tomato paste industry in Nigeria has witnessed steady growth in spite of influx of foreign imports, a situation some experts linked to government incentives to encourage local  production. However, local manufacturers believe the market competition may soon be scuttled as a result of the restriction placed on importation of concentrates. In this report, DAVID AUDU takes a look at the determination of local manufacturers to remain relevant in spite challenging competitive environment.

Dangote Launches Rice Out-Growers Scheme in Jigawa

Aliko Dangote

The 8,000-hectare Rice Out-Growers’ Scheme of Dangote Group was launched recently in Hadejia, Jigawa State, while the inaugural distribution of its rice seedlings to farmers was performed by the Group’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, The Punch reports.

Interview: Tackling food loss/waste in Africa requires an all-inclusive solution—Mamadou Biteye, MD, Rockefeller Foundation Africa

Credit – YieldWise

 

Rockefeller Foundation Africa, which is responsible for several projects on the continent, has recently launched YieldWise, a $130 million initiative. The initiative will work with private, public and nonprofit actors in the food supply system to demonstrate how global food loss and waste can be cut in half.

Even staple food demonstrates Nigeria's economic vulnerability

Cassava should emerge as a wheat substitute instead, with Nigerians baking loaves of cassava bread, she told experts at a meeting organised by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Cassava, the starch rusty-coloured root that is a staple in Nigeria, is a paradigm of the problem the import-dependent nation now faces as the plunge in oil prices crimps the economy.

Nasarawa: Farmers Receive Training On Food Security, Climate Change

Farmer

Following efforts to enhance food security in the county, the Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative, FBIN, a non-governmental organization yesterday trained 30 small scale farmers under its grow champions project.

Speech by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh on National Council of Agriculture, Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Kano State, on Tuesday 10th February, 2016

Chief Audu Ogbeh

 I welcome you all to this strategic gathering convened to design clear policy thrusts for the ministry in the year ahead. As you all know, the burden of fixing Nigeria’s economy has fallen squarely on our ministry as the oil industry has floundered and the revenue originating from it has taken a plunge, coming down to a ridiculous level that no serious government will fold its arms and watch without doing something.

To begin with, a framework is already in place in agriculture ministry that anticipated what we presently experience.

Ondo State, NEPC Partner on Cocoa Production

cocoa

The production of cocoa is set to receive a boost with Nigerian Export Promotion Council recent pledge. The council pledged to support Ondo State in the production.

Poor Bio-security enhances spread of Avian Influenza in Nigeria – FAO

chicken

Food and Agricultural Organization, (FAO) has stated that the lack of standard bio-security in poultry farms, movement of poultry and poultry products from infected farms are risks that favored the spread of Avian Influenza (bird Flu) in Nigeria.