Corruption: Hunger looms, as fertilizer becomes scarce

·       About N300b siphoned

There are indications that food may become scarce as a major input in agriculture, fertilizer has become acutely scarce due to corruption, even with the existence of Presidential Fertilizer Initiative.

AFAN frowns at N13B intervention fund

The President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Architect Kabir Ibrahim has described the N13 billion intervention fund slated for pest control by Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in about only 12 states of the federation as baseless to farmers’ need especially in the face of negative impact of covid 19 where many could not afford to get to their farms due to insecurity.

Intercropping can significantly increase yields in agriculture while reducing the use of fertilisers.

Intercropping, or the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops on a single plot of land, can significantly increase the yield, not only of low input agriculture, but also of intensive agriculture, and reduce the use of fertilizers.

Editorial- Loan for Agric mechanization needs professional inputs

There is no doubt that many Nigerians have  applauded the Federal Government (FG)’s announcement on her new agricultural revolution with the approval of $1.2 billion loan for the execution of the agricultural mechanization centres which are to be located in about 632 local government centres and 140 processing centres for the use of farmers and agro processors.

Climate change: Scientists advocate tolerant technologies transfer to farmers

·       * Ask Govt to develop irrigation

·        *Promises partner with NIMET, others

Scientists have reiterated the need for more tolerant technologies transfer that will help farmers to mitigate climate change negativity impacts on agricultural produce in Nigeria.

Covid-19: ICRISAT to assist Africa against poverty, promises warehousing, seeds

The Regional/Planning Director in charge of West and Central Africa at the  International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arids Tropics (ICRIST), Dr Ramadjita Tabo has said that the organization is determined to secure farming communities in the continent against impacts of Covid-19 and post effects on food security. Dr. Ramadjita Tabo said this in an article authored by its head, regional information, Agathe Diama, and made available to us.

Tomato Ebola destroy farms in three northern states

The President, National Tomato Outgrowers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) Mr. Abdullahi Ringim has said the popular disease called Tuta absoluta, otherwise known as tomatoes ebola have destroyed farms of their members in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states.

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.