Fortified rice raises risk of hookworm infections

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  fortified rice

  Added nutrients may inadvertently help parasites grow
• Health benefits and risks must be weighed up for children
• Deworming could ensure fortified rice does not boost infections

Eating fortified rice increases the risk of hookworm infections, a study in Cambodian schoolchildren shows, suggesting that the rice’s added nutrients inadvertently help parasites grow.

Kenyan seed storage facility to bolster maize R&D

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  seed storage facility

  Insect pests and environmental stressors are negatively affecting maize farming
• A large facility for storing maize seeds has been launched to help smallholders
• An expert says farmers and researchers should collaborate to spur food security

A seed storage cold room facility to support maize research and improve livelihood of African smallholders has been launched.

Soil erosion may threaten global food security

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  Soil erosion may threaten global food security

  In many places, soils are being lost faster than they are being naturally made
• Rises in rock phosphate prices may cut the availability of inorganic fertiliser
• More efficient food distribution and nutrient recycling are needed to end hunger

Global soil erosion has reached levels that will endanger humanity’s ability to feed itself if nothing is done to lower it, a study warns.

Project promises hardy maize for Africa

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  maize farmer

  
  Initiative aims to breed 70 climate-resilient varieties for 12 countries
• Varieties would also be more tolerant of diseases and poor soils
• The goal is to increase productivity for smallholders by up to half

A Mexican-African project to develop better and more climate-tolerant maize varieties using traditional breeding techniques has been launched.

Nigeria’s Agency Secures $700m Loan To Develop Agriculture, Real Estate

Agriculture, Real Estate

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has secured a $700 million loan for the development of the nation’s real estate and agriculture sector.

Commentary: Should you worry about food animals causing drug resistance in people? No. Should you worry about raw milk? Definitely.

Milk

Despite the headline intending to alarm consumers, a recently released report once more finds no conclusive evidence of a link between the use of antibiotics in food animals and the emergence of drug-resistant Campylobacter.

Lagos to stimulate youth’s interest in Agriculture

Lagos State Governor

Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to broaden capacity and stimulate the interest of youths in the agriculture sector through intensive training and skill acquisition programmes.

Gov. Lalong pledges to turn around Plateau’s economy through agriculture

Simon Lalong

The Governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong, has promised to turn around the economic fortunes of the state through harnessing of its huge agricultural potential.

Ministry of Agric Launches Smart Phone App for Flood prediction

Ministry of Agric Launches Smart Phone App for Flood prediction

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a Smart Phone Application – “Wetin App” for flood forecasting especially along the Niger and Benue rivers.

Deadly fish virus finally identified

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  fish

  
  Mysterious virus has decimated farmed tilapia in Ecuador and Israel
• Tilapia lake virus believed to be novel variety
• Farmers urged to report cases and improve biosecurity measures

A mysterious virus that has decimated tilapia fish stocks in Ecuador and Israel has finally been identified by an international team of scientists.