Business | Industry Government moves to boost fish production, value-chain

Investment in shrimp production, export to aid economic growth

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has concluded plans to increase its support and commitment to boost fish production in the country, noting that fish business is a venture with a lot of potential investment opportunities in the country.

FG Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Boost Agricultural Sector

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has said that the federal government is currently looking to partner the private sector to boost agriculture value chain.
Also, Stanbic IBTC has also restated its commitment towards advisory and financing all components of the agricultural value chain.

CBN to consider Anambra’s request for N5bn Agric Intervention Fund – Emefiele

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has promised to consider Anambra State government’s request for N5b mechanised agriculture intervention fund to farmers in the state.
CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, disclosed in Awka, yesterday, during a one-day assessment visit

Mining and Agricultural Sectors Is Key Nigeria’s Quest For Improved Export Earnings

The Nigerian Government’s plan to diversify it’s revenue base will be largely driven by improved export earnings and has identified the mining and agriculture sectors as the key drivers towards achieving this.

Nigeria to train 500 ex-militants in farming

The Federal Government will train 500 ex-militants in agriculture and aquaculture under its amnesty programme, an official has said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Paul Boro, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria shortly after his visit to Bio-resources Development Centre (BIODEC), Odi in Bayelsa .

Entrepreneur:How to make good money from farm estate – Lanre Howells

Lanre Howells is a graduate of Mass Communication but chose to follow the part of real estate and farming as he says he is passion-driven about his business. Currently, Howells plies his trade as a full time farmer and he is the Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Building, a premium Real Estate Investment, which is the brain behind Farm Estate, the first farm estate.
In this interview, Howells encourages as many people to come into the world of farming and make their good money, like he is doing too. The young millionaire farmer also explains the nitty-gritty of the business of farming.

Nigeria: Indorama, Notore Refute Alleged Sabotage of National Security

Abuja — The management of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals (IEFCL) Company and Notore Chemical Industries have both refuted allegations that the companies were sabotaging the national economy and security through the importation of urea nitrate, a chemical used for fertilizer production and could be used illicitly to manufacture explosives, and the export of fertilizer to the detriment of farmers in Nigeria.

AfDB Makes USD 9 Million Equity Investment in Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria

The African Development Bank has approved a USD 9 million equity investment (approximately 12% of the fund's capitalisation) in the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) to provide expansion capital to agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Hard hatch for National Egg Production scheme

The National Egg Production scheme is currently generating controversy with a civil rights The National Egg Production scheme is currently generating controversy with a civil rights group, the Centre for Social Justice sueing the minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, at the Federal High Court, Abuja

How Niger Delta Avengers, others acquire detonators, explosives

ABUJA—The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd), Thursday, disclosed that explosives experts dispatched to conduct investigations into the incessant bombing of oil facilities in Niger Delta, have uncovered the diversion of about 9,000kg of high explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators for illegal use.

No Mandatory Protection Fees For Farmers – Audu Ogbeh Clarifies

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh has assured Nigerian farmers that there will be no mandatory fees for protecting them and their farms under the Civil Defence Corps special force unit being planned in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Agric minister dismisses CJs’ N25bn egg contract claims

The Minister of Agriculture, and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has dismissed claims that the federal government has sealed a N25 billion egg production contract with Tuns Farms Nigeria Limited.

2016 Nigeria Agric Sector Policy Roadmap_June 15 2016_Final

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SECURING OUR AGRICULTURAL FUTURE: HOW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PLANS TO TACKLE THE MENACE OF KIDNAPPING NIGERIAN FARMERS

The Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development has announced that the Federal Government is looking into safety and security measures for Nigerian farmers and their farms, in a bid to protect them from the nefarious activities of kidnappers.

Agribiz solution to Nigeria economic crisis -Obasanjo

[ Masterweb Reports: Dele Ogunyemi reports ] - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has tasked all Nigerians, including the federal and state governments to take agriculture business more seriously, saying it is the only way out of the country’s economic crisis.

Align programmes with farming season – Farmer urges FG

Mr Raymos Guanah, Chairman, Raymos Guanah Farms Limited, Illah, near Asaba, has called on the Federal Government to align its agriculture programmes with the varying farming seasons in the country’s regions.

USAID Trains Osun Poly Staff On Apiary, Honey Production

AS part of the efforts at improving the entrepreneurship skills of staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic Iree, a five-day workshop was organised for the polytechnic community on apiary, bee keeping and honey production.

Nigeria: Stakeholders Commend Govt's Egg Production Scheme

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have commended the federal government for instituting the National Egg Production (NEGPRO) scheme aimed at helping the country to achieve self sufficiency in local egg production in order to stop importation.

The NEGPRO scheme is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture aimed at increasing the output of egg production in the country to 50 million table eggs daily by 2018.

STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND FG ON NEGPRO SCHEME

The story reports that stakeholders in the agricultural sector have commended the Federal Government for instituting the National Egg Production (NEGPRO) scheme, as well as appointing Tuns Farms Nigeria Limited as consultant and manager of the scheme.

NASARAWA BEGINGS FERTILIZER SALE

The paper has it that Nasarawa state government has commenced the sale of its 150 metric tones of fertilizer to farmers in the state.

Speaking, the Governor,

Nigeria’s agric products now have ready markets – SON

Nigerian agricultural and allied products now have a major boost in regional and international markets following a recent harmonization of standards exercise carried out by the Africa Regional Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).The harmonisation exercise is coming against the background of strident calls to make the continent’s agricultural sector competitive at the global market level.

STAKEHOLDERS MOVE TO REVIVE EXPORTATION OF AGRO PRODUCE

The paper has it that industry experts have agreed to join forces to revive the exportation of yam, beans, cocoa and other agricultural produce from Nigeria to the United States and other countries.

Fruit farming promoted in Nigeria

Nigeria's government is committed to encouraging fruit farming through the expansion of arable crop estates, reports the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau. The commitment is in line with the government's vision of making the nation the foremost fruit export country in Africa, while creating job opportunities.

Suarau, who spoke on June 28th in Lagos at a news briefing to mark the maiden edition of the International Fruit Day, said as part of efforts to encourage fruit farming and cultivation of crops and fruits in large quantities, the government established vegetable estates at Agbowa and Iya-Afin in Ikosi-Ejirin and Badagry councils.

Chinese Company To Partner Anambra State In Agriculture, Power

The Anambra State government is set to partner with a Chinese company, China CAMC Engineering Limited on four key areas of development in the state viz; agriculture, power, health, as well as oil and gas.

A delegation from the company and some financial partners facilitated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) disclosing this during a courtesy call on the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano.

Extending intervention to Colleges of Agriculture will stifle TETFund — Acting ES

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has criticised the call to extend its intervention to Colleges of Agriculture and research institutes, saying it would stifle the fund and render it ineffective.
This was contained in a statement issued by Malam Aliyu Na’Iya, the TETFund’s Acting Executive Secretary, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
The statement explained that the exclusion of the categories of institution mentioned above was in compliance with the TETFund Act of 2011 as amended.

Nigeria is the best place for all year mechanised farming – Union

Mr Nimram Longs, the President of Arewa Union in South Africa, says Nigeria remains a favourable destination for all year mechanised farming.

Longs told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg on Sunday that the country’s vast potentials included its good weather and arable land.

Buhari tasks traditional rulers on agriculture

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday charged traditional rulers in Nigeria on the need to encourage their subjects to cultivate lands in order to boost agriculture in the country.

He said this during the breaking of Ramadan fast with traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tambuwal’s Agenda for Food Sufficiency

The Governor of Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is clear-headed about the direction he wants to take his state with agriculture and education as major pivots. Olusegun Adeniyi, who recently visited Sokoto and spoke extensively with the governor, reports on how the state is embarking on an agricultural revolution both for the empowerment of the people and for revenue generation

Reps Summon Agric Minister Over GMOs

Nigerians have raised concerns over the importation of genetically modified foods into the country. In response to this,

UN agency boosts support in Lake Chad Basin to safeguard agricultural livelihoods

New York, June 23 :The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday it is providing agricultural and livelihood assistance to affected host communities and displaced people in the Lake Chad Basin as a result of massive population displacements and insecurity that are putting livelihoods and food security at high risk.

Don’t pay to access agric loans – FG tells farmers

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) on Saturday cautioned Nigerian farmers and associations not to pay any money to persons or group for the purpose of accessing agricultural loans.

The advice came against the backdrop of reports which quoted the APC Secretary (Bayelsa State) as alleging that fraudsters had duped unsuspecting members of the public of various sums of money with the promise to help them obtain loans from the FMARD.

Flour millers to buy homegrown wheat

Flour millers in Nigeria have agreed to buy made-in Nigeria wheat to boost its local production.

The agreement was reached during a brief ceremony, which was held in the office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja where the Flour Millers Association of Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria.

FG, NSIA signs MoU for commercialised agriculture

The Federal Government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), to explore investment opportunities in commercialised agriculture to boost food production in the country.

Nigeria: Bayelsa APC to Members - Don't Fall Victims of Fake Agric Loan

The Bayelsa state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned its members against falling victims of fraudsters asking people to pay certain amount of money to enable them access loan from the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development.

TOMATO EBOLA: NIGERIA IS CURRENTLY IN A ‘TOMATO’ STATE OF EMERGENCY

 Ventures Africa reported that the real reason for the scarcity of tomatoes is a Tuta absoluta plague.

On Monday, the Kaduna state government declared a state of emergency on tomato farming in the state as a result of destructive pests. This comes a week after

World Bank rates African Centres of Excellence in Nigeria high

The World Bank has scored the African Centres of Excellence (ACEs) domiciled in Nigerian universities high in terms of living up to their mandates.

World Bank’s Country Director, Rachid Benmessaoud, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that the centres had performed creditably in terms of response to regional challenges.

Staple crop processing zones will contribute N1.4 trillion to economy

The planned establishment of Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZ) in the country, will add N660 billion to N1.4 trillion to the Nigerian economy and create 250,000 jobs, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,

FG, Tuns Farms sign N25 billion pact on egg production

THE Federal Government and Tuns Farms Limited, yesterday, signed a N25 billion Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on National Egg Production Scheme (NEGPRO). The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh,

Nigeria: Govt, States Spend 1.6% on Agriculture

Less than two percent of the N12.2 trillion total budgets of the federal and state governments will be spent on agriculture this year, Daily Trust investigations have shown.

This is happening at a time of the government's much trumpeted determination to move away from oil to agriculture as the mainstay of the economy.

Nigeria: Chinese Firm Launches Agriculture Training in Nigeria

Abuja — A Chinese multinational group of companies CGC on Monday kicked off capacity building organized for Nigerian agricultural technicians, an effort aimed at promoting integrated agricultural technology in the West African country.

The five-day training program, sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, was, according to organizers,

We have kept our promise of job creation – FG

The Federal Government has said that it has kept its words by commencing job creation across the country in fulfilment of its campaign promises.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the federal government has kept its promise of providing jobs for teaming Nigerian youths.

The minister made the comment Yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the South-South Town Hall Meeting organised by his ministry.

Tuns Farms, Agric Ministry Signs N25bn NEGPRO Pact

Tuns Farms Nigeria Limited yesterday, signed a N25 billion memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) on the National Egg Production Scheme (NEGPRO)  to be financed by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

Asiwaju Musulmi of Yorubaland and the chairman of Tuns Farm Nigeria Limited, Chief Tunde Badmos, said, “The MoU is aimed at creating one million jobs and providing 50 million eggs on a daily basis by the year 2018.”

Amid complaints, Nigerian govt says experts assessing ‘genetically modified crops’ decision

The Nigerian government Monday sought to clear the air on the ongoing controversy over the introduction of genetically modified organisms into the country.

Shehu Ahmed, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the government would soon make a statement on the complaints made by Nigerians on the use of GMOs.

Local farmers can tap from N800bn poultry industry

POULTRY farming has become one of the biggest components of Nigeria’s agriculture with abundant social and economic poten­tials, which contributes 25 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Poultry farming, which consists the rearing of tur­keys, chickens, quails, ducks, pigeons, peacocks, guinea fowls, cows, goats, snails, and sheep now worth over N800 billion in Nigeria, al­though the sector is being projected to reach N1 tril­lion before the end of 2016.

FG Leverages Road Construction To Create Jobs

Segun Adeyemi, Uyo: The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday at the South-South Town Hall Meeting organised by his ministry.

“As contractors are mobilized back to the various road construction projects across the country, construction and ancillary workers are returning to work in droves,” he said

Cassava farmers can get 50 tonnes per hectare – FECA

In the bid to expedite agricultural revolution in Nigeria, the Provost of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Dr. Adeola Odedina, has said that cassava farmers in the country could yield 50 to 60 tonnes per hectare in their plantation to maximise their profit.

Odedina, who stated this in Akure during the Cassava Adding Value for Africa Phase II

Outrage as biosafety agency approves Monsanto’s GMO maize, cotton

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has begun moves to introduce Genetically Modified (GMO) cotton and maize into the country’s foods and farming system.This runs contrary to assurances by the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril that “Nigeria would not mortgage the safety of its citizens by introducing unproven products into the country” and opposition from other stakeholders.Already, it was learnt that

Food crisis looms as diseases, insurgency, plague farmers

Government Area of Benue State by Fu­lani herdsmen early this year, Ndayakoh Ahmadu Alechenu, was one of the leading farmers in his community. Working with his three wives and 14 children over the years, he has been able to build a five-bedroom bungalow in his native home of Agatu where he lived with his family. Before the tragedy that befell him came, five of his children have also passed out of secondary school, while Ahmedu his second son and Aminatu, the third daughter, graduated from the university last year.

FADAMA: World Bank disburses $39m to farmers

The World Bank has so far disbursed a sum of $39m on the Third National Fadama Development Project Additional Financing (AF) as part of concerted efforts to support Nigeria’s agriculture and revenue diversification drive of the Federal Government

The Bank, in statement by its Task Team Leader, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, said it commenced its Fadama Implementation Support Mission at the weekend  across eight states in conjunction with the Federal Ministries of Finance and Agriculture.

Palm oil pushes global food prices up in April; cereal production outlook improves – UN

5 May 2016 – Global prices of key staple food commodities rose in April, marking a third consecutive monthly increase after four years of decline, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 151.8 points in April, a 0.7 per cent increase from March. That is about 10 per cent below its level of a year ago and more than a third off its 2011 highs.

New season production prospects improve, stocks to remain high - FAO

FAO’s current forecast for world cereal production in 2016 stands at nearly 2 526 million tonnes, virtually unchanged from 2015 and fractionally above the volume predicted in April. The monthly revision resulted almost entirely from improved prospects for wheat production, now anticipated to hover around 717 million tonnes in 2016, that is 4 million tonnes higher than foreseen last month, but still 2.2 percent (16 million tonnes) below the 2015 record. The month-on-month upward revision of global wheat production mainly reflects an improved outlook in Europe, where favourable winter weather bolstered yield expectations in the EU, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Increases in these countries

Lagos set to increase food production by 25%

The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau has reiterated the resolve of the State government to increase the aggregate food supply of the State from less than 15% to 25% within the next four years through various projects and programmes.

Suarau who disclosed this while giving account of achievements of the Ministry of Agriculture at a press briefing to commemorate the first year in office of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led administration in Lagos noted that the aggregate food supply internally is less than 15% of total food consumption but added that the State is poised to increase this to 25% within the next four years.

Nigeria: Herdsmen Must Be Disarmed Immediately - Ogbe

There is tension in many parts of the country over the rampaging herdsmen who have killed several thousand innocent Nigerians, raped and kidnapped others. They attack their victims in farms, homes, and along the way.

In this interview, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, said the herdsmen must be disarmed, immediately. He said that the federal government has already 5, 000 hectares of land in nine states for ranching to stop cows from moving from place to place.

He also spoke on other issues affecting the sector and why the nation must stop food importation. Excerpts:

Nigeria: Emefiele's Devt Focus Wheat Production, Wheat Production

Recently, the Governor of the Central Bank Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh were in Kebbi State to inspect wheat and rice farms under the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Led by the Governor of Kebbi, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Mr. Emefiele and the team carried an on-site assessment tour of some the large farms operated by the over 70,000 farmers being encouraged under the program.

Agriculture Suffered 40 Years Of Neglect – Ogbeh

The minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu  Ogbeh, has tasked heads of agencies under the supervision  of the ministry to settle down quickly to work because activities in the agricultural sector would commence with full speed immediately the ministry’s budget is released.

This is even as he lamented that issues related to agriculture had been left 40 years behind.

AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA SET TO GO SMARTER

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is agricultural practices that improves productivity, resilience and adaptation, as well as contribute towards reduction of greenhouse gas emission. Climate Smart Agriculture could lead to overall increase in food production and food security. It brings novelty to the already existing agricultural known practices as a result of change in climate.

Bill for Food Security passes second reading

A Bill for Food Security in Nigeria which was sponsored by Senator Theodore Orji (PDP), Abia Central Senatorial District has passed second reading at Tuesday’s plenary.

In his lead debate, Orji submitted that Nigeria was one of the few countries of the World that had no legal

INTL FCStone Inc. Seminar on Commodity Price Risk Management in Nigeria to be opened by the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission

INTL FCStone Inc. (NASDAQ:INTL) (https://www.INTLFCStone.com), a leader in the development of specialized financial services in commodities, securities, global payments, foreign exchange and other markets, today announced that Mr. Mounir Gwazo, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria will deliver the keynote address at the Commodity Trading and Risk Management Seminar on April 19-20, 2016 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria. The seminar is being run by its London-based subsidiary, INTL FCStone Ltd, in partnership with AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited (AFEX).

SON, EU Collaborate To Standardise Nigerian Produce For Export

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the European Union (EU) have begun an initiative to establish a code of practice for Nigerian Agricultural products for exportation.

The information is contained in a statement jointly signed by Mrs Chinyere Egwuonwu, Deputy Director, Standards Directorate, SON, and Mrs Irina Kireeva of EU.

Agriculture Sector: Nigerians, Investors Await Year Of Dividend

To see an image of what a sector looks like in the economy, visit the capital market. This is what informed LEADERSHIP’s visit to the capital market which showed that the agriculture sector is hardly profitable for now and without any form of dividend.

For quoted companies like Livestock Feeds Plc, profit dwindled in 2015 from N402.15 billion in 2014 to N300.115 billion in 2015, and of course no dividend was paid. For Okomu Oil Plc, although profits rose from N1.90 billion in 2014 to N2.9 billion in 2015, the shareholders of the company went home downcast.

How hill country can be profitable and resilient

It seems that we have lost sight of what a good clover-based pasture looks like and have forgotten the skills to grow and manage it, says Doug Edmeades.
1
 High-performing hill country farmers love fertiliser.
Cameron Burnell
High-performing hill country farmers love fertiliser.


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Nigeria will have enough to eat and sell in 3 years – Audu Ogbeh

The minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, yesterday in Abuja revealed that Nigeria would in 36 months reach self-sufficiency in major agricultural products such as rice, sorghum, maize, millet, soya beans and wheat.

Interview: Vast opportunities in China-Nigeria economic, trade cooperation: Nigerian president

ABUJA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has described the enormous potential in China-Nigeria economic and trade cooperation as an opportunity his country can't afford to lose in development.

Buhari, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua prior to his state visit to China starting Monday, said Nigeria and China enjoy vast opportunities in cooperation in such fields as agriculture, mining, electric power generation, and railway and road construction.

Nigeria: Skye Bank's Anniversary Campaign Captures the Brand's Evolution

Skye Bank has commenced a new brand campaign, where the bank attempts to highlight its achievement and re-state its commitment to invest in an 'unlimited future possibilities'.

Sources within the Bank disclosed that the new campaign, which is part of the 360 degree communication plan put in place to celebrate the year-long celebration of the 10th anniversary of its merger and the evolution of the Skye Brand, flaunt impact of the Institution on key sectors of the national economy and re-state its future commitment.

How to rescue Nigeria’s economy, by stakeholders

Overdependence on crude oil for revenue has stunted Nigeria’s development. A holistic and sustainable economic diversification strategy has become imperative in view of dwindling fortunes triggered by crashing oil prices at the international market. This was the position canvassed by participants at The Nation’s National Economic Forum in Lagos.

Belarus Partners Abuja Chamber On Agriculture

The Republic of Belarus says its collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is designed to enhance trade relations in agricultural production between it and Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement by the President of ACCI, Mr Tony Ejikonye, issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement said the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Mr Valentin Rybakov, made this known at a business forum between the embassy of Belarus in Nigeria and members of ACCI.

World wheat record during good cereals year

It seems logical that the world wheat record harvest per hectare/acre could be established in a year when world cereal output is the third highest on record. The world record for wheat production at 16.52 tonnes per hectare (249.6 bushels per acre) was set in the United Kingdom.

Don’t blame FG for the economic woes of Nigeria

Senator Ita Enang, a Senior Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on the National Assembly, has urged Nigerians to refrain from blaming the Federal Government for the economic crunch bedeviling the nation.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo on Monday, the Senator said other factors like the fall

FG Restates Commitment To Encourage Youths In Agriculture

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated his administration’s commitment to grow the agricultural sector by encouraging the youth to pick interest in agriculture.

He revisited this at the opening ceremony of the 9th regional implementation forum of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)-supported projects in West and Central Africa (WCA), with the theme “Investing in rural youth: How do we plant the seeds for the future?”  held in Abuja.

Addressing the grazing challenge

• Fulani cattle

For want of a grazing field, cattle have been invading farmlands. Such invasions have led to clashes between cattle rearers and farmers. Some experts are calling for the establishment of grazing zones in the North to address the problem, DANIEL ESSIET reports.
The livestock sector makes large net contributions to food supply. Red meat provides protein for about 150 million people. The cattle that supply red provides food, and also other products, such as leather, traction and manure.

UN Agencies Partners FG On Economy Diversification, Strengthens Agriculture

The UN says it’s collaborating with the Federal Government to strengthen the agriculture and solid minerals sectors to ensure the success of the country’s diversification programme.

The Resident Coordinator of the UN, Ms Fatma Samoura, stated this at a press conference on UN agencies interventions aimed at addressing poverty through economic diversification.

Strip tillage helps increase wheat production

RANGPUR, Mar 24 (BSS): Experts at a farmers' field day have said adoption of the strip tillage method in sowing wheat seed using Power Tiller Operated Seeder (PTOS) machine substantially increases wheat production at reduced costs. Dinajpur Hub of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) organised the event on Strip Tillage Wheat Production using PTOS machine in village Sundarban under Sadar upazila of Dinajpur on Wednesday afternoon.

Why We Are Importing Grass By Minister Of Agriculture

The barrage of comments, criticisms, questions and name-calling on the social media that have trailed the announcement of an intention to import grass to improve the business of production of cattle, sheep and goats in Nigeria is rather incredible. Too many of such comments smacked of hasty, hollow and inappropriate responses that betrayed a lack of understanding of the subject, the enormity of the problem, the benefits embedded in the planned intervention and the urgency of the need to adopt that measure. I want to put some facts in public domain and in the right perspective for the public to know.

Lack of political will key challenge to agriculture

Lack of concentration and co-ordination by governments are the major challenges facing the agricultural sector in the country, the Deputy Director, Country and Policy, Agricultural Development at the  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, James Nyoro, said yesterday.
Nyoro spoke  in an interview with Daily Trust in Abuja on the sidelines of the stakeholders’ dialogue and workshop for the State Partnership for Agriculture organized by Synergos Nigeria with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Eye on Kebbi dry season farming

Our attention has been drawn to a publication titled “Eye on Kebbi Dry Season
Farming” published in the Daily Trust edition of 8th March, 2016. For the avoidance of doubt, the publication falsely and purportedly quoted the Chairman of State’s Program Implementation Committee, Alh. Garba Dandiga, who pointedly denied ever granting an interview to the writer on the program.

BUHARI SAYS AGRICULTURE IS NIGERIA’S ONLY HOPE

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari said that agriculture is Nigeria’s only hope of economic resurgence. He said that there is need for rapid development in the agricultural and solid mineral resources field as the revenues from crude oil exports keep declining. Buhari said that his administration is fully committed to to the cause so as to save the nation from the harsh effects of dwindling crude oil prices.

Organic produce for export

By using bio-fertiliser, farmers are reviving land and boosting the nation’s agro exports prospect, Daniel Essiet writes.

While many farmers are battling to survive, because of the financial challenge of setting up a modern farm, organic farming method is helping Herny Adigun, chief executive, Yomex Organic Farm, to succeed.

He uses organic fertiliser, mostly green manure. This helps to provide moisture and nutrients. When he began, his knowledge of farming was not much.  Yet his willingness to learn and hard work have paid off handsomely – and he is an example to emerging farmers everywhere.

We’re building an investment friendly environment – Udoma

The Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has reiterated Federal Government’s determination to support the private sector as part of its cardinal move to reflate the country’s economy.

The Minister who was speaking in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said a healthy partnership between government and the private sector will see the economy grow much faster.

Acknowledging the private sector as the engine room of development, Senator Udoma told the delegation that the present administration is fully committed to building an investment friendly environment for the organized private sector, which is part of why this year’s budget gave prominence to infrastructure development.

Nigeria, Germany Partner On Smallholder Farming

The German Agency
for International Cooperation has resolved to help tackle the perennial problems associated with smallholder farming in Nigeria.
In a press release made available to The Tide through Agro Nigeria in Port Harcourt recently, GIZ Nigeria’s country Director, Thomas Kirsch disclosed that the agency has initiated a scheme code- named “the Competitive Africa Rice Initiative (CARI)” which will offer matching grants to no fewer than 122,000 farmers in four African countries including Nigeria.

Nigeria’s survival depends on agric – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that with the decline in revenues from crude oil exports, Nigeria’s hope of economic resurgence lies in the rapid development of its agricultural and solid mineral resources.

He said his administration was fully committed to increasing the productivity of Nigeria’s agriculture and solid minerals sectors to save the nation from the harsh effects of dwindling crude oil prices.

Nigeria is not ready to go through any currency devaluation

The vice president said the apex bank will operate in line with the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhar to come up with flexible exchange rate to be supported by strong monetary policies.

He said the foreign exchange policy of government was to stop unnecessary consumption of imported goods and promote local manufacturing.

How Buhari should ‘restructure’ Nigeria – Tinubu

A former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, tasked President Muhammadu Buhari on how to restructure Nigeria, laying emphasis on populist governance, agriculture, education, infrastructures and industrialisation.

Mr. Tinubu spoke at the combined convocation ceremony of University of Abuja where Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, was conferred on him by the institution.

Affected by years of poor management and academic strife, the University of Abuja held its 15th-20th convocation ceremony for five sets.

Agric revolution will revamp Nigeria’s economy

Mr. Mudiaga Emmanuel Ibini is a public and policy affairs analyst. He sheds more light on the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian economy in this interview with PAUL OMO OBADAN.

How can Nigeria revamp its economy?

Home / News / National / Food security: Expert urges ministries of agriculture to revive agric extension services Food security: Expert urges ministries of agriculture to revive agric extension services

An expert, Mr Richard Ogundele, on Friday advised the ministries of agriculture to revive agricultural extension services to be more effective so as to boost food production.

Ogundele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that an effective agricultural extension services would promote food security, improve income and knowledge of farmers.

Hybrid wheat time has come

There’s growing interest in hybrid wheat and Dr. Amir Ibrahim, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research wheat breeder in College Station, believes the time is right to make it available.

Ibrahim has been working toward the development of hybrid wheat varieties since 2013, but wheat breeders first began looking at hybridization in wheat more than 50 years ago in the early 1960s, he said.

Nigeria, Netherlands working together to boost food production

Ogbeh’s citied that, with the possibility that the country’s population could increase to 200 million by 2020, the country needs to fasten the growth of its agricultural sector.

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Agriculture and solid minerals development is Nigeria’s priority, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Saturday that the priority of his administration is to ensure national food security before export of food products.
The President said this while contributing to a Presidential Panel Roundtable on Investment and Growth Opportunities at the opening session of Africa 2016: Business for Africa, Egypt and the World at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Agric Minister Blames Ibrahim Babangida for Nigeria's Poor Economy

Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh, has stated that the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) introduced by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, is responsible for the poor running of Nigeria's economy. 
The Agric and Rural Development Minister claimed that the Structural Adjustment Programme pointed Nigerians in the wrong direction, and blamed Nigeria’s over-reliance on crude oil.