Nature's dangerous decline 'unprecedented,' species extinction rates 'accelerating'

Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history -- and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely, warns a landmark new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the summary of which was approved at the 7th session of the IPBES Plenary, meeting last week (29 April -- 4 May) in Paris.

Experts, farmers canvas for speedy passage of bills

Farmers and experts in the agricultural sector have called on the Federal Government (FG) on the need to pass into law, bills such issues as seed, fertilizer and warehouse receipt system in Nigeria to help boost and reposition the agricultural industry. This position was taken during the Public-Private Dialogue with Agriculture sector stakeholders which took place in Abuja.

Industry ministry wants transparency of commodity associations

The Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI) has advised the major commodity associations registered under it to be more proactive and transparent in their dealings so as to enhance more government support with detailed record of accountability in all ramifications. The Director, Commodity Products Inspectorate in the ministry, Mrs. Opelolu Opewe gave the advice during an interface session with major agricultural commodity associations in Abuja.

FG, World Bank work out grants to agric cooperatives

·       Ginger, maize, dairy for Kaduna

The Federal Government and World Bank are working on how 10,000 registered agriculture cooperative groups will be given 200 million dollar grants in the six states of the federation under a programme tagged  Agro Processing Productivity Enhancement (APPEAL)so as to achieve empowerment and economic diversification to agriculture.

Five pillars of FAO’s five-year framework, by country rep

 Minister  warns on desert encroachment..

 

The Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)in Nigeria,  Mr. Suffyan Koroma has highlighted the five pillars of its five-year framework in Nigeria. He stated them at the launch a five-year strategic Country Programme Framework (CPF) toward enhanced food security in Abuja.

Industry minister asks for cotton galvanization

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) Hajiya  Aisa Abubakar has admonished stakeholders at the value chains of cotton productivity to itemise steps on how to boost the economic viability of the crop for more financial freedom and job creation for stakeholders.

Biosafety DG says agency not promoter of GMOs

Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Biosafety Management Agency. Dr. Rufus E. Ebegba

Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Biosafety Management Agency. Dr. Rufus E. Ebegba  has said that his agency was never a promoter of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOS) as generally believed by many Nigerians. He disclosed this during an interactive session with editors of media houses on controversies surrounding the new improved technology in Abuja. 

AFAN women fault presidential fertilizer distribution

 women leader of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Imo State Chapter, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankuku

A women leader of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Imo State Chapter, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankuku has decried the presidential fertilizer distribution strategy to farmers as not effective as many could not get the item with all other agricultural inputs. She said this at the 43^rd National Council of Agriculture and Rural Development held in Umuahia, Abia State.

Global crop diversity in decline as just four crops dominate, study

Crop diversity around the world is declining, presenting a challenge for both the environment and food security. This is the result of new study from the University of Toronto Scarborough, published in the journal PLOS ONE on February 6.

Director of Animal Husbandry finally breaks silence, says ‘my experience qualifies me’

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Dr. Mohammed Bello Umar

The new director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Mr. Bright Boyowa Watergire whose appointment generated rowdy session during the National Agricultural Council Meeting has finally opened up to say he was qualified for the position, going by the federal civil service law.