Press Release – Page 11 – Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security

26/07/2022

CORRIGENDUM

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regrets to inform prospective bidders and the general public that due to circumstances beyond our control, the deadline for submission of bids for the projects under Categories ‘A’ (Goods) and ‘B’ (Works) that were advertised on Daily Trust & Thisday Newspaper as well as the Federal Tenders Journal of Monday 13^th June, 2022 is hereby extended to open on Thursday 11^th August, 2022 immediately after the deadline for submission of bids by 12.00 noon prompt at the Ministry’s conference room B, Area 11, Garki Abuja.

The Ministry regrets any inconveniences this may cause.

Signed

Permanent Secretary

26/07/2022

FMARD SENSITIZES STAKEHOLDERS ON IMPROVE QUALITY AGRICULTURAL INPUTS.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has conducted a market sensitization workshop on Agrochemicals to improve farmer’s accessibility to high quality inputs especially fertilizer and plant pesticides aimed at enhancing the use in an efficient and cost-effective manner these inputs to increase agricultural production, food security and improve the quality of life of the Smallholders Farmers.

The Workshop took place at the Sabo Gari Market, Kano, Kano State, recently.

Speaking during the occasion, the Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department, Mr. Mohammed Sani Kwaido, represented by the Deputy Director, Mr Yahaya Usman stated the commitment of the ministry towards ensuring the availability of adequate high-quality fertilizers and Agro inputs to Nigerian farmers, increase agricultural production, food and cash crop self-sufficiency as well as increase farmer’s income.

Mr. Mohammed Kwaido pointed out that ‘’ the Farm Inputs Support Services Department was created with the vision for timely provision of good quality agricultural inputs to farmers in the most cost-effective manner’’

He revealed that “the Department through collaboration with several international NGOs, donor agencies and stakeholders like Crop life & Agro Input Dealers Association, initiated and drafted the Nigeria Pesticide Bill for harmonization into a single Act 2022 with the already existing Fertilizer Act-2019.”

He added that the new draft to harmonized Bill which was set to regulate the manufacture, importation, distribution, sales and quality of Fertilizers and Plant pesticides as well as other agricultural inputs in Nigeria was undergoing legislature processes at the National Assembly.

Mr. Kwaido also revealed that ”In a similar effort, the Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS) had developed and adopted the ECOWAS REGULATION C/REG.13/12/12 Relating to Fertilizer/Plant pesticide Quality Control in the Region.

He pointed out that the Regulation was based on a common Agricultural policy which facilitated the creation of an enabling legal environment for the development of a regional inputs market in all the ECOWAS Member States and its implementation is domiciled in the Ministries of Agriculture as Nigeria is one of its Major players in the Fertilizer sub sector.

The Director therefore urged participants to be careful and watch out for fake fertilizers and agrochemical which are harmful to plants and endanger human lives.

Earlier in his remarks, the Kano State Coordinator, Alh. Abba Gana Danmani stated that the objective of the sensitization Workshop was to update marketers, dealers and farmers with the requisite knowledge and procedures when intending to venture into fertilizer or Agro Chemical business in Nigeria.

He revealed that the Federal Government had commenced registration of all agrochemical & fertilizer dealers to ensure that farmers and other inputs end users buy fertilizers and agrochemicals from reputable and accredited dealers not only for safety but quality assurance.

In his welcome address, the Head, Agrochemical and Quality Control Division, FISS Department, Mr. Abbas Kashmi Bashir noted that some agrochemical plant pesticides had been banned in Europe and other developed Nations but sold in African markets particularly in Nigeria.

According to him, ‘’ it contribute among other factors in the rejection of our food exports, these includes; Chloropyrifos, Blocade, Certilain, Oleorel, Pyrinex, Reldan 22 and Neonicotinoid’’.

In his Goodwill Message, the National President, Northwest Agro Inputs Dealers Association, Alhaji Kabiru Fara commended the Ministry for coming up with such initiative and pledged the support of the Association in the fight against fake fertilizers and agrochemicals inputs to boost the agricultural production in the country.

In attendance are Smallholders Farmers, Agro-Chemical Dealers, Marketers, among others.

Obe Mabel Mbosire

Senior Information Officer

For, Director Information

26th July, 2022

23/07/2022

ABUBAKAR RESTATES UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL GENDER POLICY ON AGRICULTURE

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has restated the Ministry’s unwavering support towards the implementation of the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.

The Minister made this known on Friday 22nd July, 2022 during the courtesy visit by the National Gender Steering Committee led by the Actionaid Country Director, Ms Ene Obi to his office in Abuja.

He recalled that, last year, the Ministry inaugurated the National Gender Steering Committee on the implementation of the National Gender Policy on Agriculture to mainstream gender into climate change for people with disabilities, access to input for women amongst others.

Dr. Abubakar commended the Steering Committee for its great achievement towards creating visibility and awareness especially in translating the National Gender Policy in local languages to ensure the domestication of the policy in some States of the Federation.

He stated that the commitment to implement eight (8) out of the 11 objectives of the policy which aligns with the mandate of the committee had been forwarded to the World Bank through the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning for necessary action.

The Minister pointed out that the onerous responsibility of adopting strategies for a seamless implementation of the objectives of the policy and the well-articulated resolutions at the median retreat to pay courtesy calls on the Honourable Ministers of Women Affairs, Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation as a formidable strategy aimed at creating awareness on the policy for positive outcomes.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe commended the Country Director, Actionaid Nigeria, for accepting to provide leadership to this Committee on the implementation of the National Gender Policy on Agriculture, and also the Executive Director Development Research and Project Center, Judith-Ann Walker for sponsoring the 2nd retreat of the Committee which will take place at Grace Point Hotel, Wuse Zone 6.

In her welcome address, the Director, Special Duties, FMARD. Mrs. Fausat Lawal represented by the Deputy Director (Special Duties), Akinrinlo Taiwo said that the focus on the Gender Policy on Agriculture was to mainstream women in extensions services system, improve their responsiveness in Agricultural service delivery, integrate gender perspectives into Climate change and capacity of smallholder farmers on climate adaptation strategies.

In her remarks, the Country Director, Actionnaid Nigeria, Ms. Ene Obi said that the National Gender Policy was an assertive document, which recognized the limitation of growth and development of the Agricultural Sector

She pointed out how female farmers had been supported by different |Ministries through Actionaid Nigeria with agricultural produce and training programmes throughout |States of the Federation for subsidized rates.

Ms. Obi also pleaded to create a budget for small scale women farmers to be able to access Central Bank of Nigeria, credit facilities at single digit rate.

In her presentation, the Assistant Director, Head Gender, FMARD, Mrs, Ifeoma Anyanwu stated that the workshops on mainstreaming Gender into Climate Change were carried out in the six Geo- Political Zones with about 1,000 women trained on mitigation and adaptation strategy against climate change and were given clean stoves.

Olatunji Modupe S.

Information officer I

For: Director Information

22/07/22

19/07/2022

SOPs ARE GLOBALLY RECOGNISED DOCUMENTS – ABUBAKAR

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has said that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are globally recognised documents that provides the step-by-step instructions compiled to assist all officer in the service to perform their operational tasks accurately and effectively.

The Minister stated this today during the Official Handing Over of the Ministry’s Developed Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) in the Minister’s Conference Hall in Abuja.

Dr. Abubakar noted that it was a guide for employee work process towards the full operationalization of the Enterprise Content Management with the mandate to digitize records and automation workforce in the Ministry.

He stated that to achieve a dynamic Civil Service, Government has considered it pertinent to have laid down Operating Standards, adoption of these (SOPs) therefore would significantly bring about an effective system of service delivery not only in the Ministry but service wide.

The Minister urge all the respective Directors, Heads of Departments and their Champions who are the owners of the documents, to ensure that the full operationalization of the developed SOPs align with the Ministry’s mandate and vision.

He enjoined all staff to embrace the initiative for continue service delivery and tasked them to take seriously bearing in mind that the SOPs are globally recognised documents.

Dr. Abubakar, therefore urged all workers to show more commitment in driving the initiative.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe said that the developed SOPs would act as a complete guide for staff work processes and as an aspect of the Enterprise Content Management(ECM) with the mandate to digitize Ministry’s records and automate workflow to achieve the overall improvement in information sharing and collaboration across the Ministry’s agencies, institutes and State Offices.

He pointed out that the next stage for the Ministry would be to organised a comprehensive training for the departmental champions in ISO certification, and refresher course would commence immediately.

Dr. Umakhihe directed the Human Resources Management Department to liaise with the OHCSF and come up with the necessary modalities on how to ensure that the knowledge and Skill gained would be cascaded to various state offices, agencies and institutes for full operationalization of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) in the Agricultural Sector.

In her welcome address, Director, Human Resources Management, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade, stated that “the policy was to advance the Ministry towards full digitalization pointing out that the era of paper work was gradually being phased out.

Olatunji Modupe S.

Information officer I

For: Director, Information (FMARD)

18/07/22

19/07/2022

FG, STAKEHOLDERS STRATEGISE TO ENHANCE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND REPORTING

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has said that the ministry is in collaboration with relevant Stakeholders would strategise to enhance disease surveillance and reporting stating that disease reporting was a critical component of an effective progamme for prevention, control, and eradication of disease nationally, regionally and globally.

The Minister, represented by the Director, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services Dr. Maimuna Habib, made this known at the Round Table Discussion with the Representatives of the Military, Para – Military, Nigeria Police Force and National Park Services in charge of animal disease control held in Abuja, recently.

Dr. Abubakar stated that the Ministry was responsible for the formulating and implementing policies and programmes on agriculture development on behalf of the Federal Government which, includes matters relating to animal disease prevention and control, animal health and welfare, food safety and veterinary practice.

The minister revealed that ‘’there was little or no synergy between the ministry and relevant authorities in the area of animal disease reporting over the years, this he said has significantly affected the completeness of data on disease situation and has impacted negatively on our international obligation as a nation in reporting timely manner disease situation to international organizations’’.

He pointed out the benefits of disease reporting to include; Control of zoonotic diseases to ensure improved public health, Promotion of animal welfare, declaration and maintenance of a disease-free status, Implementation of a rapid response to mitigate the impact of a disease outbreak on the economy amongst others.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, represented by Dr. Peter Umanah stated that the Ministry through the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services plays a coordinating role by ensuring that national Veterinary service in the country is in line with international standards and global best practices.

Dr Umakhihe added that “the ministry has embraced the recent effort in the area of implementing animal disease prevention and control programmes in the country in order to build a strong and resilience National Veterinary Services that would stand the taste of time”.

He therefore urged that deliberate steps must be taken to ensure the implementation of a robust animal health policy in the country.

In her remarks, the Director, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Dr. Maimuna Habib represented by Dr. James Balami, stated that the Objective of the meeting was to create a platform for discussion and interaction aimed at providing the necessary synergy in the prevention and control of diseases through effective disease surveillance and reporting.

In his goodwill message, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) official, Dr. Guy Kouame said as veterinarians, they were not only responsible for animal health but the humanity as well. He pointed that there was no better time for a collaboration and coordination in animal health and production than now.

Mrs. Mabel Mbosire Obe
Senior Information Officer
For: Director, Information (FMARD)
18/07/2022

14/07/2022

FG DISTRIBUTES FREE INPUTS TO SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN EDO, INTEGRATES THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development, (FMARD), Dr. Ernest Umakhihe has flagged-off yet another distribution of free Agricultural Inputs and Quality Seeds as Intervention for Smallholders Farmers in Edo State, stating that it would enhance food and nutrition security, economic growth and job creation, especially during the Post COVID-19 era.

The event which took place on Thursday 14th July, 2022 at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Office in Benin City, Edo State featured distribution of equipment such as Food Dehydrator, Motorized Oil Palm Harvester, Cashew Cracker, 3 HP water pump, Knapsack Sprayers, Agro chemicals, growth enhancers, Power Tillers, cassava stems, planters and cassava processing equipment among others.

Dr. Umakhihe stated that ‘’the smallholders are the most vulnerable in times of crisis, it become imperative for the Federal Government to support them with the much-needed inputs especially seeds, which is the most important factor that influences farmers’ yield in order to enable them to recover quickly from the set back of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the effect of the insecurity’’.

He revealed that 35% of the inputs were targeted at women farmers and processors in line with the targets set in the National Gender Plan and Policies aimed at ensuring increased opportunities for women. “Similarly, 10% is targeted at persons with special needs and this has been communicated to the Farmers’ Associations to act accordingly.’’

The Permanent Secretary emphasised the commitment of the Ministry to address national and Food security by mapping out strategic policies such as the Agriculture for Food and Jobs Plan (AFJP), the Green Imperative, Agricultural Promotion Policy, NATIP as well as the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) among others.

He stated that the Ministry in its effort to support smallholder farmers has distributed different equipment, improved seeds and seedlings of various crops to farmers in Osun, Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba States. The next major input and equipment distribution will be in Katsina state.

Umakhihe tasked the beneficiaries to make judicious use of these inputs to produce food for the nation while calling on other stakeholders to provide similar support to farmers ‘’so that together, we can become self- sufficient in food production’’.

In his welcome address, Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Edo State, Hon. Stephen Idehenre stated that these initiatives were designed to provide critical support to smallholder farmers in the State, leverage land assets towards driving development and diversify the economy with a focus on sustaining food security.

Hon. Idehenre pointed out that through Independent Farmers Initiative, 2,050 Smallholder Farmers were provided with Agricultural Inputs to drive cassava, maize, rice and soybeans value chains, adding that under oil palm programme, 63,000 hectare of brown fields have been made available for investors for the development of oil palm plantation aimed at making Edo State, a leader in oil palm production in Africa.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Edo Chapter, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bako Dogo commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari’s for its progressive and pragmatic policies in the Agriculture Sector which geared towards diversification of the economy, increase in production and income for farmers in the country.

One of the beneficiaries, a physically challenged farmer, Mr Efosa Baldwin thanked the Ministry for the free Agricultural Inputs and pledged to make judicious use of the Inputs.

The Agricultural Inputs/ equipment distributed included; Food Dehydrator 20, Motorised oil palm 50, Cashew cracker 5, 3 HP Water Pump 100, Knapsack Sprayer 625,Cypermtetnine 1,000 litres, Agrixyme 400 litres, Glyphosate 1,239 litres, Pathway ( liquid) 960 litres, power tiller 5 and honey bee clothing 200.

Quality seeds are as follows: oil palm seedlings 3,000, cocoa seedlings 20,000, coconut seedlings 5,000, yam seeds 200, among others.

Highlight of the occasion was the symbolic distribution of Agricultural Inputs and Quality seeds as Intervention to smallholder farmers by the Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe and commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Edo State, Hon Idehenre.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna

Chief Information Officer

For: Director, Information (FMARD)

14/07/22

14/07/2022

FG SUPPORTS EDO, OTHER SOUTH SOUTH STATES WITH OVER 1.8 MILLION FREE VACCINES

In furtherance to the Federal Government commitment to curtail the spread of trans boundary diseases in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has supported Edo State and other States in the South South Geo-Political zone with over 1.8 million free vaccines.

The Minister revealed this during the flag off ceremony of 2022 Nationwide Free Mass Vaccination Campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases in Benin, Edo State, recently.

He said that the transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) such as Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Newcastle Disease (ND) are affecting the livestock population and to achieve the much-desired herd immunity for prevention, control and possibly eradication, they ought to be adequately vaccinated.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture ad Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe stated that Livestock production was a major means of livelihood in Nigeria which employs about 70% of our population, food nutrition and security as well as means of livelihood for majority of our rural dwellers.

He added that livestock supplies the much-needed protein for growth and mental development of our children, spendable income and the by-products from these animals like hides and skin are used for the production of belts, shoes among other things.

The Minister revealed that the Ministry has policies and National programme for the control of these diseases, while it is the policy for routine vaccination for all diseases, it is our policy as a country not to vaccinate against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as Bird flu.

In his words ” over the years, the policy of CBPP, FMD, PPR and ND control in Nigeria has been routine annual vaccination; However, the vaccination coverage has been limited by inadequate resources. But going forward, we intend to scale up vaccination coverage as more resources become available’’.

He urged Development partners and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to key into the initiative by supporting the States with more vaccines and the logistics needed to carry out the mass vaccination in the country.

Dr. Abubakar stressed that the exercise should be taking as a call to national service and to give it the best attention that it deserves, as Nigeria joins other nations of the world to control and eradicate these dreaded diseases of cattle, poultry, sheep and goat from our national herd.

In his welcome address, the Acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Edo State, Hon. Stephen Idenhere commended the effort of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in controlling animal diseases across the nation.

In his words, “I called on all States within the South South region, to join hands in the battle as animal disease control is a collective responsibility”.

“This synergy would go a long way in enhancing livestock production in the zone thereby improving the socio- economic status of the rural dwellers” Shaibu added.

He revealed that Edo State Government had keyed into the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support(LPRES) project of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, ECOWAS- PACBAO which were aimed at improving livestock production and curbing farmers/ herders clashes.

Speaking further, he stated that Edo State was at the verge of resuscitating Igarra- Ewan Cattle Ranch as well as establishing livestock production centres to promote responsible ruminant production in the State.

He, therefore, thanked the Ministry for choosing Edo State as a flag -off State for the South South region.

In his good will message, the Permanent Secretary of Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Jacobs Udida commended the Federal Government’s initiative towards the Free Mass Vaccination Campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases and for providing Primary Health Center which would go a long way to improve Animal Health.

In her remarks, the Director, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Maimuna Habib said that the Ministry would continue to support and collaborate with States to ensure the good health of livestock in Nigeria through the provision of vaccines, trainings, disinfectants and veterinary drugs as much as possible.

She stated that the Ministry intended to do the same in other remaining 3 geopolitical zones (South – East, South-West & North-Central) of the country, having carried out similar exercise in Jigawa and Gombe states respectively.

Dr. Habib emphasized that the vaccines were procured through the intervention fund of the Federal Government for the control of Transboundary Animal Diseases, she urged the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVSs) in the region to submit their vaccine needs and indicate their readiness to commence field vaccination exercise. This she pointed out would enable the Department communicate to National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, for prompt release of vaccines allocated to the States and ensure the participation of federal staff at the vaccination exercise.

Highlight of the event was the symbolic flag off of Vaccination Exercise by the representative of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Stephen Idenhere and the Representative of the Hon.Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe.

In attendance were the Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Sheep and Goat Association of Nigeria, Edo Pigs Association, All Farmers Association of Nigeria among others.

Eremah Anthonia

ACIO

For: Director Information (FMARD)

14/07/2022

07/07/2022

FG ADDRESSES THE MANACE OF AGRO CHEMICALS HANDLING IN NIGERIA

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe has stated the Federal Government resolve to address the menace of Agrochemical handling in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department, (FISS), Ishaku Buba, made the declaration at the Stakeholder’s Workshop on Agrochemicals handling, Marketing and Distribution in Nigeria, with the theme “Agrochemicals importation, Production, Marketing and Distribution in Nigeria to safeguard humanity and the Environment” was held at Debbie’s Upper Class Event and Recreation Centre, Orozo, Abuja, recently.

He said Agro-chemicals are input that plays an important role in the different stages of plant development, right from land clearing, cultivation to the storage of eventual farm produce, adding that the workshop was not only important to the Ministry as the regulator of the products but to all relevant stakeholders operating along the Agro-chemicals value chain.

Dr. Umakhihe said despite the important contribution of the product, some sectors of the society have devised means of adulterating the products thereby causing a lot of economic loss.

In his words, “some products banned from use in other parts of the world particularly the European Union have found their way into the Nigeria markets and due to the absence of legal framework to curtail the influx and marketing such banned products, little has been achieved”.

He stated that to address this ugly situation, the Ministry have been working with relevant House Committees on Agriculture, tiding up a Regulatory framework to ensure sanity in the agro-chemical or pesticides business.

“In pursuant to this, the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act, 2019, was being repealed to incorporate pesticides bill in order to regulate the rampant abuses in the agro chemicals operations” The Permanent Secretary added.

Speaking further, he said that the Ministry at the moment has trained enough professionals in all the 36 States of the Federation including FCT to monitor and supervise the market.

The Permanent Secretary, maintained that stakeholders were expected to come up with realistic and definitive way of tackling the menace faced in agro-chemicals operation in Nigeria with defined protocol in line with the International best practices to handle banned products.

In his remarks, the Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department, Muhammad Kwaido represented by the Assistant Director, Organic fertilizer Development Promotion, Igeh Oluyemisi stated that Agro-chemicals are commonly used to eliminate a variety of agricultural pests and insects that damage crops, livestock and others, adding that agrochemicals value chain players like the importers, manufacturers, marketers and dealers would require basic knowledge in handling pesticides from production to the last farmers that use the products.

He explained that to ensure maximum benefits through facilitation of plant growth, protection of humans and the environment, it is necessary to build a legal framework that would safeguard the operations of agro chemical industry.

He, therefore, solicited for high level of cooperation among stakeholders through open contributions during the workshop.

In his good will message, the Director Federal Department of Agriculture, Engr. Adbullahi Abubakar represented by Assistant Chief Agricultural Officer, Adanlawo Julius said Agro-chemicals has come to stay, if not properly handled, it can be injurious to our health and would be very dangerous to our food component Nutrition.

One of the Stakeholders at event, Department of State Services (DSS) James Abubakar commended the Ministry for its efforts towards ensuring sanity in the agro-chemical industry.

He stated the importance of Quality Fertilizers in the Agricultural Sector, adding that sub -standard fertilizers could lead to low production output and threaten Food and Nutrition Security.

Eremah Anthonia

Assistant Chief Information Officer

For: Director ,Information (FMARD)

JULY 7TH, 2022

01/07/2022

FG TO SUPPORT NORTH EAST LIVESTOCK SUBSECTOR WITH FREE VACCINES

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has said that the Ministry through the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services would support Gombe State and other States in the North East Geopolitical Region with about 2 Million Free of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccines, among others.

The Minister made this known during the flag off ceremony of 2022 Nationwide Free Mass Vaccination Campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases in Dadinkowa, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, recently.

Represented by the Director, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Maimuna Habib, the Minister stated that Livestock production was a major means of livelihood in Nigeria which employs about 70% of our population, food nutrition and security as well as means of livelihood for majority of our rural dwellers.

Dr. Abubakar revealed that “the Ministry has policies and National programme for the control of these diseases, while it is the policy for routine vaccination for all diseases, it is our policy as a country not to vaccinate against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as Bird flu.

He added that ” over the years, the policy of CBPP, FMD, PPR and ND control in Nigeria has been routine annual vaccination; However, the vaccination coverage has been limited by inadequate resources. But going forward, we intend to scale up vaccination coverage as more resources become available’’.

He pointed out that “Nigeria’s Livestock Population is put at 22,378,374 Cattle; 53,061,143 Sheep; 99,879,799 Goats; 9,299,563 Pigs and over 425,790,456 Poultry, spread across the six Geopolitical Zones of the country, kept by majority of Nigerians especially in rural and semi-rural settings. Noting that the full potentials of these animals and the attendant socio-economic benefits they provide cannot be guaranteed unless they are in a state of good health which can only be achieved through vaccination against diseases like CBPP and FMD in cattle; PPR in sheep and goats, and NCD in chickens”.

The Minister urged Development partners and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to key into this initiative by supporting the States with more vaccines and the logistics that are needed to carry out the mass vaccination in the country and collaboration with our neighboring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

Dr. Abubakar appealed that “the exercise should be taking as a call to national service and to give it the best attention that it deserves and ultimately, all of us shall be part of making history as Nigeria joins other nations of the world to control and eradicate these dreaded diseases of cattle, poultry, sheep and goat from our national herd”.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said that this is the third time the exercise is being carried out under his administration and commended the Ministry for its tireless efforts and commitment in ensuring the control of these animal diseases.

Earlier In his welcome address, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry , Hon. Muhammad Magaji said that “this is the first time that Zonal vaccination of animals is being carried out and am very happy and delighted that Gombe State has been chosen as the flag-off point in the North-East’’.

In his remarks the Chairman Miytti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Gombe State Chapter, Mallam Madibbo Yahaya thanked the Federal Government for the programme which was geared towards achieving increase in food production, generate more revenue for farmers as well as sustain the diversification in the Agricultural sector.

Mohammed Abdullahi Gana

Information officer II

For: Director, Information (FMARD)

01/07/2022

24/06/2022

FG SET TO PARTNER BRAZIL ON SUPPLY OF TRACTORS TO FARMERS

The Hon Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has said that the Federal Government was to partner Brazilian government on the supply and distribution of 10,000 tractors to farmers across the country in order to fast track the mechanization of the Agricultural sector, improve production and boost economy. The development according to the Minister would enhance food self-sufficiency and create job opportunity for Nigerian youths.

The Minister gave this indication at the opening ceremony of Africa’s Agricultural machines and equipment Technology expo on industrializing Africa’s Agriculture through technology and innovation, held in Abuja recently.

He revealed that the purpose of the expo was to expose African Farmers to cost- effective farm machines , new farming technologies, to increase foreign direct investments, as well as create business among farm products, producers and processors. This, the Minister noted, was in tandem with Agricultural Policy of the Government and a clarion call to bring succor to the drudgery nature of our farm practices in order to encourage the teeming youths to embrace the agricultural sector.

Abubakar further said that the expo was an avenue for exchange of cultural values which will attract needed capital into Africa’s farm sector. This he said, will come face to face with experts in Agricultural Engineering field such as farm power and machinery, irrigation [soil and water engineering], storage of Agricultural products on commercial quantity.

The minster pledged that the forum will go a long way to establish a knowledge and business sharing platform with a view to identifying a global investment opportunities and risk, adding that it will translate into an increased production and quality level of African farm harvest.

He further revealed that “the quest for food self- sufficiency cannot be achieved using the old method of rudimentary tools. He therefor urged farmers to grab the new technologies and innovations in order to do exploits in farm practices”.

Dr. Abubakar stated that the partnership with Brazilian counterparts would ensure the provision of 10,000 units of tractors,50,000 units of assorted implements and equipment for assembly in Nigeria , 142 turnkey factories for Agro Processing as well as Training of the project beneficiaries for over a period of five years.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umahkike represented by the the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Engr Abdullahi Abubakar Garuba stated that the Expo was meant to expose Africa’s farmers to latest innovation in technology across the value chain.

He pointed out that “Agriculture in Nigeria contributed about 33% to Gross Domestic Product and engage a large number of our working force in farming”.

He added that Agricultural Expo will contribute to the advance processing of agricultural raw materials and promote the growth of agro-industrial section and export of food products that are made in Nigeria.

The Expo featured display of various Agricultural equipment by different agricultural and allied manufactures.

Salamatu F. Jibaniya
Assistant Director (Information)
For: Director, Information (FMARD)
22/06/22

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CORRIGENDUM

CORRIGENDUM

FMARD SENSITIZES STAKEHOLDERS ON IMPROVE QUALITY AGRICULTURAL INPUTS.

ABUBAKAR RESTATES UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL GENDER POLICY ON AGRICULTURE

SOPs ARE GLOBALLY RECOGNISED DOCUMENTS – ABUBAKAR

FG, STAKEHOLDERS STRATEGISE TO ENHANCE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND REPORTING

FG DISTRIBUTES FREE INPUTS TO SMALLHOLDERS FARMERS IN EDO, INTEGRATES THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

FG SUPPORTS EDO, OTHER SOUTH SOUTH STATES WITH OVER 1.8 MILLION FREE VACCINES

FG ADDRESSES THE MANACE OF AGRO CHEMICALS HANDLING IN NIGERIA

FG TO SUPPORT NORTH EAST LIVESTOCK SUBSECTOR WITH FREE VACCINES

FG SET TO PARTNER BRAZIL ON SUPPLY OF TRACTORS TO FARMERS

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