Misappropriation: President Buhari queries former Agric PS

·       Ps says no case to answer

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that a query be issued to the former Permanent Secretary (PS), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Dr. Mohammed Bello for not acting in accordance to the dictate of N98,405,763.678.68 budgetary release for year 2018 that led to contractual liability of N48,429,543.895.72 with other allegations on procurement of uncompleted building worth about N7bn ,  and  diversion of fund meant for strategic grains and rural grazing settlement .

Covid-19: Food scarcity looms, says Prof. Ayoola

• FG raises hope, signs $1.2b for mechanization

A renowned economist in Agriculture, and food analyst, Prof. Gbolagade Ayoola has said that year 2021 would be worst hit with food scarcity as Covid- 19 impacts and dilapidated agricultural infrastructures have already incapacitated  small scale farmers in the country, saying there is need for state of emergency declaration for the sector. Prof. Ayoola made this call in an interview on the state of food security tilted ‘’ Small scale farmers and Covid-19’’ yesterday at Sunrise, Channels television.

2020 planting: NASC promises improved seeds to farmers

 In a bit for quick intervention to increasing productivity to checkmate Covid 19 impacts on food security, the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has promised to release about 81,000 metric tons of improved seeds that will cut across crops to farmers for 2020 planting season.

Covid 19 : Farmers, NAERLS demand for more farming incentives.

The two major  farmers’ organizations ‘’ All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria(AFAN) and Federation of Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN)’’ have lent their voices to the call made by the Executive Director (ED) National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS)Prof. M.K Othman that African countries, Nigeria in particular must be ready to give agriculture a sufficient support so as to be able to overcome the COVID 19 impacts on food security.

Ogun commences 2020 planting, provides 3,500 farmers with CBN fund

Ogun state Government has officially commenced planting for the year 2020 with distribution of  cassava cuttings to the first batch of beneficiaries just as about  3,500 nominees have benefited in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) of  fund and inputs. These are part of the activities that took place yesterday at the flag off of 2020 planting season by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in Asoro, Abeokuta.

Ogun state empowers youths to upscale rice productivity

In the pursuit of post covid 19 food insecurity, the Ogun state Government has up scaled her support to over 1000 youths across the local council areas in the production of rice along all the value chains to ensure mass productivity, job and wealth creations.

Action Aid berates Agric development in Nigeria

The Nigeria Country Director, Action Aid, Mrs. Ene Obi has  scored low the development of Agriculture  in Nigeria, saying there is need for more Government’s support to farmers especially in this planting season so as to be able to mitigate food shortage in the face of Covid 19 pandemic disease.

Covid 19: President Buhari orders farmers back to farm

• NAERLS boss says no option to farming

President Muhammadu Buhari in his 8:00 pm broadcast has ordered all farmers across the nation to embark on immediate planting towards mitigating food challenges saying this decision is coming on the heels of full consultation with all the states’ governors.

Food security: Police boss heads taskforce on Covid 19

• AFAN, NUJ, others are members

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Alhaji Sabo Nanono has appointed Assistance Inspector of Police (AIG) Mr. Austin Agbonlahor as the chairman of newly constituted Joint Technical Taskforce on food security matters  that will ensure minimal impact of pandemic COVID 19 on farming season  as directed by the President Mohammadu Buhari. 

Will the African farmer survive COVID-19?

by Dr. Daniel Kyalo Willy

Mr. Wycliff Wephukhulu has just retired from a very productive day at his 5-acre farm.