Category: Agriculture

Hard times have hit exporters of agric commodites following rising shipping costs.

Freight rates were said to have risen following a hike in the prices of agricultural products.

Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Cocoa Development Initiative( CCDI), Akure, Ondo State, Oghenerobo Adhuze, said increases in freight prices would only threaten food exporters’ profits and affect local farmers.

The increase, he said, would force many to stop exporting agric produce.

According to him, the increase will impact heavily on agri-food and fish exporters, who use these shipping lines for exports and add to their export costs.

To industry watchers, the punctuality of shipping is the main factor, which is extremely important to maintain the quality of the commodity.

After witnessing an extremely volatile year, he said this year will be comparatively stable, with supplies of most agricultural commodities at a comfortable level to meet export demand.

He noted however, that the overall performance of the agric export sector will depend on the government policies on export regulations, especially for essential commodities.

To this end, he said there was a need for the government to assist exporters to move their cargoes smoothly in order to encourage export of agric commodities.

Adhuze said producers face a whole range of financial, social and environmental pressures beyond the freight issue.

According to him, 70 per cent of the problems are temperature related, having to do with issues such as loading delays, off-loads and missed connections.

Spiralling shipping costs for commodities have threatened to drive food inflation even higher as nations from Asia to the Middle East and Africa scramble for supplies, stung by grain prices that have risen.

Global food prices, measured by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, hit record highs , a problem that will worsen as freight costs feed into the prices people pay for bread and meat in supermarkets. The gains in freight costs, s will add to growing inflationary concerns that have spread, mainly due to red-hot food prices.

With the growing demand for fresh and frozen food worldwide, an industry chieftain, Dr Hyde Ochia, has called for improved infrastructure to boost global food trade.

Ochia, the Chairman, SouthSouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the perishables trade as a solid and stable business, with many challenges.

He urged the government to create multimodal logistics centres to up exports of perishable products coming from the hinterland.

With this, he said the government would be able to have a “logistics distribution system with a controlled environment, allowing products to arrive at their point of sale in perfect condition. “

Ochia noted that the food market does not have adequate infrastructure for perishable foods in line with the best international standards.

He said technical as well as sanitary controls for food and food products that typically require freezing temperatures for preservation and alteration must be extended to the operations of the entire supply chain so that from the origin to the final time of consumption, the product can keep its inherent qualities. Ochai said concerted efforts are needed to tackle high perishable supply chain costs.

He said the spirit of logistical innovation lay in the passion for detail, combining a unique creative approach with practical awareness of challenges in inland terminals across the entire perishable supply chain from producer to retail shelf.

He said Nigeria needs to compete in global markets and seize the opportunities offered by the agriculture sector.

In order to develop more effective supply chain for perishables, Ochia said transport infrastructure needs to be improved and become more reliable.

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has pledged to partner with the Plateau chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to boost farmers productivity through its Productivity and Efficiency Improvement Training (PEIT).

ITF’s Assistant Director, Mr Emeka Okafor, said this at the poultry farmers’ monthly congress in Jos, the Plateau State capital, that the partnership was necessary for the sustenance of poultry business.

Okafor said that the programme tagged “Poultry cluster and networking scheme” was designed to enable the ITF achieve its mandate of training, empowering and strengthening small and medium scale enterprises.

“Plateau farmers are known for their quality poultry products nationwide, but the sustainability of the business is under threat as farmers continued to run into huge losses, forcing others to close down.

“This is because standard practise in poultry business is not maintained and marketing strategy is very poor; this scheme was designed to, among other things, solve these problems.

“The training will enable farmers get the right knowledge, acquire the right skills and adopt the right attitude to improve productivity and remain in business.”

The director disclosed that the farmers would be trained in a cluster of 20 farmers at the cost of N200,000.

The International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Assisted Community Based Agricultural and Rural Development Programme (IFAD-CBARDP) has disbursed N48 million to 36 communities in Katsina State for the completion of some development projects.

Disbursing the funds to the participating communities in Katsina, National Coordinator, IFAD-CBARD, Alhaji Abu Kankia said the funds were for the completion of all IFAD-approved projects for October last year to March 2013.

He urged the benefiting communities to ensure judicious use of the funds for the purposes intended.

The coordinator, while commending the Katsina State Government for its support to IFAD programmes in the state, however, urged the government to totally adopt the programme like Sokoto and Jigawa states

Managing Director, Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA), Alhaji Abashe Saidu,said that the N48 million would be utilised for various projects to empower rural dwellers in the state.

He listed some of the projects to include the provision of hybrid seeds for 60 farmers, procurement of groundnut grinding machines for 100 women and construction of 12 boreholes for some of the communities.

Others include, provision of ox-ploughs and bulls to 120 farmers, assisting 180 traditional birth attendants with N10,000 each and the construction of toilets in some health centres.

Responding on behalf of the participating communities, Alhaji Musa Shehu, commended IFAD and the state government for the support.

He assured that the money would be used for the execution of IFAD-approved projects.

In November 2012, IFAD disbursed N52 million for the execution of similar projects in the state.

The chain saw is one of the most efficient, productive and dangerous portable power tools used in any industry. If you learn to operate it properly and maintain the saw in good working condition, you will avoid injury as well as be more productive.

 

Before starting the saw

• Check controls, chain tension and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of ignition.

• Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain brake engaged, and with the chain saw on the ground or otherwise firmly supported.

• Check the fuel container for the following requirements:

• Must be metal or plastic

• Must not exceed a 5-gallon capacity

• Must be approved by the Department of Transportation or other nationally recognised testing laboratory.

 

While running the saw

• Keep hands on the handles and maintain secure footing while operating the chain saw.

• Clear the area of obstacles that might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

• Do not cut directly overhead.

• Shut the saw off or release the throttle prior to retreating.

• Shut the saw off or engage the chain brake whenever the saw is carried more than 50 feet, or on hazardous terrain.

Make sure that the chain is always sharp and the lubrication reservoir is full. Never drop-start a chain saw. Do not smoke while fueling, and never try to fuel a running or hot saw. Use a funnel or flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw.

Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw’s chain path. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting.

Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.

Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw. Watch for branches under tension, as they may spring out when cut.

Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback. Be cautious of saw kickback; to avoid it, do not saw with the tip. If your saw is equipped with a tip guard, keep it in place.

Processed poultry production is not expanding at the same rate as the live-bird market due to cold-chain capacity issues, The Nation has learnt.

Chairman,Lagos State Chapter, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mr Adedotun Agbojo, told this newspaper that limited cold storage capacity prevents significant stocks from being stored. Besides, most consumers still consider live poultry to be disease-free, fresher and more hygienic than processed chicken.

This is attributed to consumers’ lack of confidence in handling procedures in the local cold -chain.

Consequently, the majority of poultry is sold live and most slaughter and processing are done manually at the retail level.

He said lack of cold chain infrastructure is a constraint in maintaining stocks for fresh and frozen meat. Given these developments, Agbojo said processed poultry production is small and growing at a significantly slower rate than the live-bird/broiler market, with the majority of its output being consumed by the hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector. Thus, as overall poultry production increases, the processed poultry market’s total share continues to shrink.

Another challenge, he said, the industry is facing is that of feed costs, which constitute approximately 70 percent of the cost of production. The situation is aggravated by price fluctuations of the feed components. Presently, the poultry industry faced fluctuations in corn price. There is a general sentiment that poultry feed supplies are not sufficient as the industry continues to expand.

Food safety expert, Prof Stephen Fapohunda stressed the need for the government to address issues related to production of hygienic, safe and wholesome meat and meat products.

He urged government agencies to enforce sanitary maintenance and controls at all stages of production.

Fapohunda stressed the importance of food safety in terms of inspection and quarantine for meat products.

He said lack of inspection and quarantine facilities had long been hampering declaration efficiency, and thus affects food production.

For watchers, there are enough opportunities in cold storage sector for private investors. There is enormous room for further investment and business opportunities, with the spurt in output of horticulture products and growing export of processed foods and frozen items. Inadequate storage is resulting in wastages. The biggest flaw in this chain is the obsolete technology that a bulk of the cold storages are using. Another weak link is lack of sufficient temperature-controlled vehicles that are vital to keep the cold chain intact. Huge opportunities await investors in this sector with the increasing demand for such vehicles from the retail and food services sector, especially frozen food. Beefing up the cold chain industry will not only reduce wastage it will also ensure steady availability of food throughout .

The Enugu State Government has said theAdani Farm in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area could not produce rice because of the absence of irrigation and dam facilities.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Martin Anikwe, said the Federal Government had undertaken to repair the irrigation facilities at the farm to make it functional.

He said: “Actually the position of Enugu State Government is very clear on the Ada-rice project. The Federal Government undertook to repair the dam and bring back the irrigation system there.

“You can see that it has not happened and that is why we are losing a lot; more than 50,000 tonnes of rice, which we are supposed to be producing there is not being produced because the irrigation system is not just working.“So, we use also this medium to implore the federal government to expedite action to make sure that that dam and irrigation system of Ada-rice is repaired and that is the stepping stone for revitalisation of the whole programme.”

On the state government’s Songhai agricultural programme, Anikwe said the government was conducting financial and management audit on the programme with a view to making it work better.

The commissioner said after the audit, government would bring out another plan to enhance the programme.He said that the state government had embarked on public enlightenment and advocacy on measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flood on farmland, especially for communities in flood-prone areas.He said that during last year’s flood disaster, the state government had provided relief materials to the victims and encouraged dry season farming in addition to free distribution of fertiliser and seeds to the affected farmers to cushion the effect of the disaster. (NAN)

Plateau poultry farmers plans poultry day to boost productivity

The Plateau chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has designated March 19 to celebrate Poultry Day as part of efforts to boost the sector’s productivity. the Vice Chairman of the association, Mr Na’anmiap Hyacienth,said this at the monthly congress in Jos.

Hyacienth said the aim of the celebration was to appreciate, support and encourage farmers to improve their productivity.

According to him, the celebration is a national annual event designed for stakeholders in poultry business to share ideas and experiences on how to make better returns and move the industry forward.

“ It will also boost the morale of farmers for better performance and serve as an avenue for the industry to showcase its business potential to the general public.

“We will invite all the stakeholders in the industry, the hatcheries, feed millers, drug manufacturers, technicians and marketers, among others, both from Plateau and beyond to participate in this year’s event.“This is because we see ourselves as one body, with one central goal which is ensuring the well-being of the industry.” According to him, it will be the first time the association will join other poultry farmers across the nation to celebrate such an event in the state.“We celebrated the world egg day in October 2012 for the first time in Plateau.

WOMEN snail farmers have asked the Federal Government for financial assistance to make their business attractive to the young.

A snail farmer in Ayobo, a Lagos suburb, Mrs Amina Taofeek, said women should consider snail farming a vehicle to increase self-dependency.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture should diversify its focus especially to sectors that do not enjoy publicity.

“Snail farming is very easy, cheap and less demanding for young women; they need very little awareness because it is a livestock sector,” she said.

Another snail farmer, Mrs Tola Aderanti, who said snails could easily be picked from the forest, urged women to be involved in snail farming because it is convenient.

“Snail farming is a simple business and it does not cost much to start up. All you need is a small demarcated land area.

“I would encourage women that are not working, even those working, to go into snail farming. It does not consume much of your time, it generally takes very little out of you,”she said.

She said specific soil texture was needed for snail farming, “which must not be dry but sandy-loamy soil but acidic soil is not suitable.”

She noted that snail feeds are cheap as they feed on green leaves and fruits.

Samuel urged women to startup their small snail farming in the forests for effective rearing.

Meanwhile,the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bwari Chapter in the FCT, Alhaji Musa Ijakoro, said farmers in the area need 100 tractors for mechanised farming this year.

Ijakoro said: “We need up to 100 tractors to engage in mechanised farming in Bwari.”

She appealed to the FCT Administration and the Council to assist in the supply of the 100 tractors to enable farmers in the area to have good yield.

He said there is a vast land for farming in the area that could not easily be ploughed without the aid of tractors.

The chairman appealed for prompt supply of fertiliser to farmers to boost agricultural production in the FCT.

He lamented that the inability of farmers to get fertiliser and at affordable prices, and promptly, has slowed farming.

He expressed optimism that his colleagues would make bumper harvest in the year.

To reduce the amount of foreign exchange spent on fruits importation, a seller has canvassed for investment in the planting of foreign fruits.

Mallam Yusuf Isa, a fruit seller at the Maitama Farmers’ Market, Abuja, said that fruits such as apple, plum and grapes, among others, were hardly planted in the country.

According to him, some organic materials can help the fruits germinate since the country does not have the soil texture to plant some of these fruits.He noted that some of these foreign fruits had a lot of industrial value that could boost the economy of the country and also create jobs for the unemployed.

Isa added that these fruits could be eaten raw or used in making wine, jam, juice, jelly, seed extract, raisins, vinegar and seed oil.“There is nothing exceptional in these fruits and I do not see why our rich farmers cannot plant them.

“If these fruits are being planted here; they will be cheaper and they will be found at any fruits market. These fruits are good for our health but how can the poor afford a fruit of about N1,500 per kilo?

“But planting it here can make it more accessible for traders like us,” Isa said.

Another fruit seller, Malam Haruna Abdulazeez, observed that though the patronage for the foreign fruits was not high, it should not stop farmers in the country from planting it.

“In this Farmers’ Market, we sell both foreign and local varieties of fruits and we have realised that a lot of customers prefer to buy the local varieties.

“Our customers prefer the local varieties because they trust the source.So these same set of people will accept the foreign fruits if it is being planted here.

“For example, we sell the locally planted strawberry and also the imported one; but most customers prefer the local varieties to the imported ones.”

He said that even if the country would import these fruits, it should have their local varieties.

Meanwhile, Mrs Abimbola Kalejaiye, a consumer, urged farmers in the country to task themselves to plant foreign fruits.

“Sometimes, I really cannot figure out the difference between the smallholder farmers and the commercial farmers because they all think the same way.’’