Editorial- FG yam export, commendable

Yam

The recently launched yam export to Europe and America by the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh is a welcome development that was long overdue--towards expanding the market space for farmers and foreign exchange earnings for the entire nation. This step is indeed commendable and on the right path at this critical point in time when the value of the naira has depreciated, with resultant high prices of food items.

Ethiopia: Enterprise Monopolises Salt Distribution

Salt

The Enterprise plans to distribute 100,000 quintals of iodine-free salt in the next two months

In a letter written to the Ethiopian Industrial Inputs Development Enterprise (EIIDE) two weeks ago, the Ministry of Trade (MoT) gave the full mandate to EIIDE to be the sole distributor of salt that is used as industrial input.

Nigeria Ready to Begin Rice Export By 2018 - NAGB

Rice

The Nigeria Agribusiness Group, a think tank group that advises government on ways to grow the country's agriculture sector, has said that with the successes already recorded in rice production the stage is now set for the country to move from rice importation to rice exportation.

Ghana: President Akufo-Addo, Please Implement Your Pension Scheme for Cocoa Farmers

Cocoa

The Afosu Area Cocoa Farmers Association in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region has appealed to the government to institute a pension scheme for cocoa farmers to free them from poverty in old age. This, according to a GNA report, could be done by deducting tokens from their sales proceeds to sustain the scheme.

Zimbabwe: Arda Earmarks Land for Tokwe Mukosi Irrigation

farmer

The Agriculture and Rural Development Authority has earmarked a significant hectarage of land for agriculture production using water drawn from Tokwe Mukosi Dam.ARDA chairman Mr Basil Nyagandza said while plans were still in its infancy, "Arda will be definitely earmarked for a significant hectarage".

South Sudan Famine Ebbs, but Situation Still Desperate As Hunger Spreads

South Sudan refugee Children eating food.

More than 6 million people now facing hunger driven largely by conflict, Famine has eased in South Sudan after a significant scale up in the humanitarian response, according to new analysis released today.

Nigeria: Banks Kick-Start Agric SMEs Equity Fund With N26 Billion

Banks Kick-Start Agric SMEs

Commercial banks in the country have raised a total of N26 billion as part of their commitment to finances agro-based small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

Kenya: Schools Face Closure as Food Shortage Bites, Prices Soar

Food

There is fear and anxiety among school principals over rising food prices with some saying they may be forced to close schools before third term ends.

Federal Government Launches Yam Export Tomorrow.

Yam

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, will tomorrow launch Nigerian Yam Export as a part of federal government determination to earn foreign exchange through agricultural export.

Tanzania: Mbeya to Have 10 Billion/ - Irish Potato Centre

Irish potato

Irish potato growers in Tanzania stand to benefit as construction of Irish potato development centre in Mbeya Region which is expected to boost yields is set to begin this year.