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Tag: Federal Ministry of Agriculture

  • Modern farming, key to food sufficiency, says Lokpobiri

    The only way Nigeria can attain self-sufficiency in food production is for  farmers to embrace modern farming,  Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has said.

    The minister regretted that the gap in domestic food production have existed in Nigeria for many years because, it depended on rural farmers and their rural farming methods for its food needs.

    Lokpobiri however, expressed delight that the Federal Government had been redressing the situation through policies and infrastructural development of the rural communities.

    According to the minister, “The only way we can feed ourselves is for us to develop our capacity, embrace modern farming technology and technics so that we will continue to enjoy high productivity, not the subsistent farming we are used to.”

    Speaking when he received a delegation from the Africa-Asia Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) led by Secretary-General of the Organisation, Wassfi Hassan El Sreihin in his office in Abuja, Lokpobiri stressed the need for the development of the  rural areas to stem urban migration.

    He noted that if urban migration was halted, it would reduce poverty and crime, as well as limit the pressure on the amenities in the urban areas being experienced in the country.

    Lokpobiri said: ”Nigeria is a country where we are basically being fed by the rural dwellers,” noting: “If rural development is not given priority, and already studies have shown that there is urban migration because of lack of development in the rural areas, the cities would soon be over crowded.”

    Continuing he said: “Land to farm is in the rural areas and if those people in the rural areas are empowered through capacity building, through technology transfer to be able to stay there and continue to cultivate in agriculture, poverty would be reduced, there will be less crime, and there will be less pressure on the limited amenities that we find in the urban areas.’’

    According to the minister, the only difference between the agricultural system in Africa and those of the advanced economies of the world is the use and deployment of technologically advanced equipment by the later.

    While drawing comparism between the Nigeria climate and that of the Latin American countries, which he noted are basically the same, the minister regretted that, “Because sometimes we don’t want to be relevant in technics, the yield over there could be 20 tons while here it could be 2 tons. This is basically because of the way we plan and the way we manage our cropping system.”

    In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Burka Hassan noted that Nigeria is at the verge of transiting from subsistent agriculture to sustainable agro economy.

    According to him, Nigeria is  striving to diversify from oil-based based economy to an agric-based one through emphasis on technology and modernisation of farming.

    The AARDO SG pledged his organisation’s commitment to collaborating with the nation’s rural farmers to grow the sector because of Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa and the West African region.

    He said: “We assure you that we will offer our assistance to the country. This is my first official visit to Nigeria since I took over as the Sec Gen in 2011. As you know Nigeria is a very important country in this region and the world. Since then we have been collaborating and enhancing the lives of the rural people of Nigeria, neighbouring countries and members of the organisation.

    “Since 1999 when Nigeria became a member of the organisation, Nigeria has benefited from our technical work programme, including the human capacity building. AARDO offers many hundreds of training programmes and fellowships every year in different countries in Asia and Africa which officials from Nigeria benefits from.”

    According to Sreihin, “In 2007, we financed one project in Nigeria. In 2006, we signed an MoU with the Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) , Ilorin for collaboration and assistance for international training programmes were organised and I am here to revive the MoU for the benefit of our members.”

  • FG to construct 300km rural roads in Osun

    FG to construct 300km rural roads in Osun

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank are to construct 300 kilometres of rural roads in Osun under the Rural Access and Mobility Project ( RAMP ).

    Adelere Oriolowo, the Project Coordinator for RAMP-2 in Osun, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after a pre-bidding meeting held in Osogbo with interested contractors for the RAMP project.

    Oriolowo explained that, the State Project Implementation Unit ( SPIU ), had already invited bids from eligible and reputable contractors for the expression of interest on the project.

    Read also: Osun monarch counsels youths on mentorship

    He said the project would be jointly financed by the World Bank and French Development Agency ( AFD ) in line with World Bank Procurement Regulations.

    Oriolowo pointed out that the past RAMP projects had impacted positively on the lives of rural dwellers in the state.

    The project coordinator explained that the RAMP-2 project would include: site clearance, earthworks; provision of lateritic sub-base course; chemical stabilization; 35mm asphaltic concrete, among others.

    He lauded the administration of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola for its prompt payment of lead funds and other commitments which made donor agencies to show interest.

    He said the rural road projects were recently approved for four participating states, which include: Adamawa, Enugu, Niger and Osun.

    The RAMP-2 project coordinator stressed that contractor that scaled the bidding process must work to specifications.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo charges Nigerians to serve God, humanity

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has  urged Nigerians have not to relent in their service to God and humanity.
    Prof Osinbajo said this in Ilorin the Kwara state  capital  on friday at the funeral and thanksgiving service of the first Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Barnabas Sanyaolu Oloruntoba at Second ECWA Church, Amilegbe
    He said there is  close relationship between service to God and humanity, saying that anyone who serves God will be indirectly serving humanity.
    He described the deceased as a man who served God and humanity during his lifetime.
    The Acting President added  that the late Oloruntoba made significant contributions to national development, particularly in the agricultural sector.
    In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed described the late Oloruntoba as a man who lived a life worthy of emulation.
    Governor Ahmed said the deceased would continue to live on because of his sterling virtues and contribution to humanity.
    In his sermon, the Reverend John Owoeye advised the congregation to live impactful life by preparing for death, saying that mortals would taste death.
    Reverend Owoeye also enjoined the congregation to imbibe virtues of uprightness to earn God’s favour in the day of judgement.
    Prof Osinbajo was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Executive Director, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo.
    Other dignitaries at funeral service include Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, wife of former  Vice President, Hajia Titi Abubakar and Minister of Finance, Benin Republic.
    Late Oloruntoba, the first Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and father in-law of President, African Development Bank and former Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina died March 17th this year, at the age of 88.
  • FMA, others tasked on food preservatives

    FMA, others tasked on food preservatives

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant authorities have been urged to look into the chemicals and preservatives Nigerians consume through grains and foods, following rising cases of unidentified ailments that present like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

    Dr. Kennedy Ishaya, Gombe state Commissioner of Health spoke to The Nation in Gombe.

    He said the types and proportion of chemicals being used must be considered as one vital area of concern as part of the attempt to improve Nigeria’s health indices.

    “You see somebody on the road, you feel he is suffering HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis and when you examine him, you find out that he doesn’t have HIV and he doesn’t have tuberculosis.

    “So we are beginning to suspect that some of these preservatives that people use in preserving their beans and other food crops could be responsible for some of the symptoms we are having in Gombe now.

    “Our food preservation methods, I think we are using chemicals and food preservatives at a ratio that is medically unacceptable. The Ministry of Agriculture and relevant bodies should look at the situation and comment,” he said.

    He said the Ministry of Health at the state level was already drawing the attention of the Secretary to the State Government to, Head of Civil Service, Commissioner for Agriculture on the matter and the need to know that we have to really look into this issue again.

    He said doctors practicing in the state have now resorted to looking at patients holistically with an open mind as relate the issue.

    “What we now do is that we just go on a medical fishing. Whichever fish you are able to pick, you treat it accordingly.

    “This is because we realised that if you restrict yourself to the fact that you are running a TB or HIV/AIDS clinic, you are likely going to miss it,” he explained.

  • Aregbesola, Agric minister, flag-off 2016 cashew plantation season

    Aregbesola, Agric minister, flag-off 2016 cashew plantation season

    • Say Nigeria Needs Sustainable Agricultural Revolution to Survive

    The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has called on all able bodied Nigerians to take to farming on full or part time basis as an alternative to the over-dependence on oil for the quick recovery of the ailing economy of the country.‎

    ‎The Governor stated this while‎ addressing people at the 2016 flag-off of cashew planting season and roll out of cashew expansion programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and rural development at Ogudu Village, Ife-East Local Government Area of the state.

    This was even as the Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh said the ministry will embark on plantation of 2 million cashew every year for 4 years and that the stage is set to ensure massive plantation of cocoa, plantain and banana across the nation.‎

    ‎Aregbesola stressed that the only way for Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national economic development was for able men and women to go back to farms.

    He called on other leaders in all tiers of government in Nigeria to stop relying on the failed oil sector and seek for means to sustain their economy.

    The Governor noted that there could be no better time than now for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the economy of the country from oil to Agriculture.‎

    ‎According to him, “I am particularly happy and enthralled at the efforts being made to promote the cultivation of cashew, noted for not just being a food crop but a cash crop as well.

    “This is well timed at this season when it has become imperative to diversify our economy from its oil orientation to others more sustainable areas like agriculture.”

    ‎He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for living up to the expectations of Nigerians through his achievements in the last few months, saying the uniqueness of his good governance had been felt in all aspects of the economy especially in agriculture.

    Governor who described cashew as a moneymaking and health-promoting crop, said the state is ready to partner with any investor to boost the agricultural sector.

    He said the state is blessed with fertile hectares of land, adding that his government would not hesitate to tap the numerous potentials in agriculture in sustaining its economy.‎‎

    The Governor commended Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi for complementing his efforts to revamp agriculture in the state.

    He therefore implored other traditional rulers to emulate the good gestures of Oba Ogunwusi in rendering social services to the society.

    “The only way for us to contribute meaningfully to national economic development was for our able men and women to go back to farm.

    “Quick recovery of our economy remains the duty of all and as a matter of fact, nothing is coming from oil anymore. And for this reason, we must all embrace agriculture to deliver our country from this financial mess.

    “We must henceforth stop relying on the failed oil sector and seek for ways to sustain the economy through the promotion of the non-oil sectors.

    “It is a glaring fact that the current economic challenges befell the country was a product of 16 years misrule and bad governance of past administrations in the country.

    “Our state is blessed with fertile hectares of land good for farming, hence, triggers our ambition to tap the numerous potentials in agriculture to enhance the general well being of the citizens”, Aregbesola stated.

    Earlier, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh who described the flag-off ceremony as the beginning of the agricultural revolution in the country, said stage has already been set to ensure massive plantation of cocoa, plantain and banana across the nation.

    Chief Ogbeh disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was ready to embark on a full plantation of 2million cashew every year for the next four years.

    The minister stressed that the purpose of quick intervention in agriculture by the Federal Government was to ensure that the nation regain her lost glory as the food basket of Africa, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalize the sector for the betterment of all.

    He lamented over the sliding state of the nation’s economy, assuring that the current government was fully ready to maximize the embedded potentials in the non-oil sectors.

    Chief Ogbeh attributed the financial crisis ravaging the country, especially the states of the federation to what he referred to as over-reliance on the mono-economic policy of the country, reiterating that the current government led by President Muhammadu Buhari would not rest on his oars to reposition the nation’s economy.

    He said part of the objectives of the present government in agriculture was to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality agricultural production and other farm produce without hiccup irrespective of distance or region.

    Chief Ogbeh maintained that since agriculture is the largest employer of labour, his ministry would deploy necessary mechanism that would facilitate mass employment for Nigerian youths so as to reduce the scourge of unemployment in the country.

    According to him “This historic occasion marks another milestone in our concerted efforts at resuscitating, repositioning and restructuring agricultural sector in the country.

    “It also signifies the beginning of agricultural revolution in the country as we are seriously bent to ensure massive plantation of cashew, cocoa, plantain, banana and other agricultural farm produce across the nation.

    “Our prompt intervention in agriculture was premised on need to swiftly rescue the nation from being collapsed due to her over-dependent on crude oil.

    “Our government had identified agriculture as a key economic sector capable of turning around the general well being of Nigerians.

    “We are fully ready to embark on full plantation of 2million cashew every year for the next four years in order to maximize the embedded potentials in the non-oil sectors.

    “It is regrettable that we found ourselves in this economic mess due to misapplication of priority and mismanagement of our commonwealth, but nevertheless, no stone would be left unturned by the current government to ensure that the country regain her lost glory in all sectors.

    “Though the over-reliance on the mono-economic system is also a contributory factor to this financial impasse, but I can assure every citizen that the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari would not rest on his oars at repositioning the nation’s economy by ensuring adequate production of foods for local consumption as well as for export.

    “Our ministry had already identified agriculture as the largest employer of labour, hence signaled us to deploy necessary mechanism to boost agriculture by engaging youths in the process so as to reduce the scourge of unemployment in the country”, he added.

    Chief Ogbeh who described Governor Aregbesola as a visionary leader per excellence, said his landmark achievements since assumption of office remained memorable legacy in the political annals of the state.

    He disclaimed the allegation that the financial challenges facing some states was the cause of their governors, saying the cash crunch tormenting the states was a product of national economic imbroglio.

    Chief Ogbeh however, called on all and sundry especially the youths to demonstrate interest in agriculture as part of their contributory efforts to national economic development and nation building.

    In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi disclosed that 2,000 hectares of land had been acquired and cultivated for cashew plantation, adding that as soon as the people are showing interest in farming, more land would be released for that purpose.

    Oba Ogunwusi expressed delight on the commencement of this year 2016 Flag-off of Cashew Planting season in Ife, saying with that, Ife had proven its stand as the ancestral home of yoruba nation.

    The royal father further noted that the flag-off ceremony in the state was a clear testimony to undaunting efforts of the present administration in the state towards the resuscitation of agriculture sector.

    Oba Ogunwusi who decried on the precipitous slide in the oil sector, said the time has come for government at all levels to shift attention to agriculture in stimulating and reviving the nation’s economy.

    The revered monarch stressed that the massive plantation of cashew in the state was in no doubt the beginning of a new dawn in the agricultural revolution in the country, adding that with such giant stride being recorded, the state has set a formidable goal to rescue the nation.

    Oba Ogunwusi who described agriculture as the only eternal and everlasting bailout to Nigeria’s economy, said the time has come for every Nigerian especially the youths to go back to farms.

    He said, “I am very elated that the commencement of this year 2016 Flag-off of Cashew Planting season starts in Ife and with this significant move, we have proven our stand as the ancestral home of Yoruba nation.

    “Unequivocally, this flag-off ceremony in the state was a clear testimony vindicating our Governor on his untiring efforts towards the resuscitation of agriculture sector.

    “It is a well-known fact that our economy had been seriously challenged due to incessant drop in prices of crude oil at the international market, meanwhile, the time has come for government at all levels to shift attention to agriculture in stimulating and reviving the nation’s economy.

    “We must all see agriculture as the only realistic alternative to crude oil at this critical period as government at various levels are working assiduously to enhance economic prosperity.

    “We are starting with 2,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of cashew and as soon as our people begin to show interest, more land would be released for cultivation.