Prescribed burns benefit bees

Freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more than double the total number of bees and bee species than similar forests that have not burned in over 50 years, according to new research from North Carolina State University.

Minister tasks higher institutions on adoption of technology, innovation

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono has tasked higher Institutions of learning in Nigeria on adoption of technology and innovation, stating that without sustainable efforts to achieve a shift from subsistence agriculture into a viable agribusiness, the challenge of feeding the growing population and creating a vibrant economy and massive jobs would be a mirage. This was disclosed in a press statement issued by Ezeaja Ikemefuna on behalf of Director of Information in the ministry.

Speedy recovery: New corn performs better in cold

Nearly everyone on Earth is familiar with corn. Literally. Around the world, each person eats an average of 70 pounds of the grain each year, with even more grown for animal feed and biofuel. And as the global population continues to boom, increasing the amount of food grown on the same amount of land becomes increasingly important.

Turkey to invest $15m in agric sector-FG

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, has appreciated the gesture shown by the Turkish Government to invest 15 million dollars in the Nigerian agricultural sector in two years. This was made known in a press release made available to Food farm news by Mohammed Abdullahi Gana on behalf of Director Information.

Plants manipulate their soil environment to assure a steady supply of nutrients

The next time you're thinking about whether to cook dinner or order a pizza for delivery, think of this: Plants have been doing pretty much the same thing for eons.

China Reports Outbreak Of H5N1 Bird Flu

Chinese authorities are culling thousands of chickens after an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu in Hunan Province, which neighbors the coronavirus-hit province of Hubei.

Institute promises research expansion on irrigation

As part of plans to ensure that farmers enjoy all-year round farming, the Federal Government (FG) through the Institute of Agriculture Research (IAR) has expressed its readiness to invest more in irrigation research infrastructure through more funding. The Executive Director (ED), of the Institute Prof. Mahammed Fagugi Ishiaku told Food Farm News in Zaria, recently.

Insect bites and warmer climate means double-trouble for plants

Recent models are telling us that, as our climate warms up, herbivores and pests will cause increased damage to agricultural crops. One study predicted that crop yield lost to insects increases 10 to 25 percent for every 1 degree Celsius increase.

Community Concept will reduce cost of extension, says NAERLS boss

The Executive Director (ED), National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Prof. Mohammed Othman has said that the Community Base Advisory Concept will develop the capacity of the farmers to reduce expenses on extension services as new improved knowledge will be transferred to them for further disseminations to others in the communities.  Prof. Othman revealed this in his office saying the concept would reduce extension cost across the country.

Membrane inspired by bone and cartilage efficiently produces electricity from saltwater

Inspired by membranes in the body tissues of living organisms, scientists have combined aramid nanofibers used in Kevlar with boron nitride to construct a membrane for harvesting ocean energy that is both strong like bone and suited for ion transport like cartilage.