Press Release – Page 8 – Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security

06/12/2022

FG JOINS OTHER MEMBER NATIONS ON THE HAND- IN-HAND INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SECURITY, OTHERS

In a bid towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the nine Priority Areas of Government, Federal Government has joined other member-nations on the Hand-in-Hand Initiative to strengthen Food and Nutrition Security, manage Natural Resources, reduce Disaster Risk as well as achieve Economic Diversification.

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Abubakar revealed this during the inauguration of the National Steering Committee members of FAO hand-in-hand initiative, held in the Minister’s office, on Monday, 5th December, 2022.

He stated that initiative was meant to practically facilitate and support the implementation of the framework of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP 2022-2027) towards accelerating food systems transformation, promoting rapid rural development, and building vulnerable population resilience across the country.

Abubakar pointed out that the Hand in Hand Initiative was evidence-based, country-owned and country-driven, taking cognizance of the country’s economic advantaged and disadvantaged areas in selecting the priority commodities for intervention in selected States, adding that the programme plan captured the priority commodities such as; Rice, Sorghum, Soybean, Maize, Fish, Tomato, Cassava and Dairy.

In his words “It is well aligned with the FAO Country Programme Framework 2018-2022 for Nigeria as well as the successor framework for 2023-2027, which focus was to manage natural resources, reduce disaster risk, strengthen food security and enable economic diversification”.

The Minister said that the institutional set up for the Hand in Hand Initiative comprised the National Steering Committee and an Inter-Ministerial Task Team that are charged with the responsibility of formulating a coherent initiative architecture, workplan preparation, programme implementation and progress tracking.

Speaking further, Abubakar noted that the selection of States for the intervention was based on their potentials for import substitution, export promotion amongst others, noting that the States selected by the Technical Task Team were drawn from all Ministries and Agencies with technical support from reputable consultancy firm.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe represented by Director Rural Development, Engr. Udo Daniel stated that the event came at a time the Ministry was strengthening collaboration and partnership between government agencies and development partners for sustainable agri-food system in the country.

He noted that the contribution of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to the development of Agriculture cannot be overemphasized, pointing out that FAO had continued to initiate programmes and projects in the Ministry to ensure its sustainability for ensuring food and nutrition security in the country.

In his remarks, the FAO representative in Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Fred Kafeero stated that FAO priority was to support Nigeria to strengthen national food and nutrition security through enhanced nutrition, improve efficient and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystem amongst others.

He noted that the initiative was launched by the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2019 as a means of eliminating poverty, hunger and inequalities along the relevant global development goals.

The Terms of Reference (tor) for the NSC members are as follows; to be the highest organ in the Governance Structure of HIH Initiative in Nigeria; to provide overall political leadership, strategic direction, and guidance for the implementation of HIH Initiative in Nigeria in line with national priorities amongst others.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Ministers of Water Resources, Environment and Humanitarian Affairs, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Development partners among others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Assistant Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
5/12/2022

05/12/2022

SHORT SPEECH IN HONOUR OF 2021 ILORIN VICTORIOUS MEDALIST FEPSGA 2021

We are Honour to have you here with us sir on this great day. for us as agric sports club members we are delighted and inspired .

Out of tight schedule you have find time to raise our morales and to inspire us for what we have achieved at Ilorin 2021 FEPSGA games ..
Sir, grease may not only be applied to your elbows but your entire lubricating systems and that of your management team .

What we are celebrating today came from a very short preparation soon after our election in October 2021. Sir going forward, we are determine to bring more lurels to the ministry under your able watch with on time preparations .
Sir, ladies and gentlemen , as we are all gather here we are celebrating the entire 69 athletes and officials to the annual national civil service games (FEPSGA) 2021 at Ilorin

Thank you

Engr John Ladong
Sports Manager ASC.

01/12/2022

REAL PEOPLE CONCEPT, FMARD EMPOWERS MINISTRY STAFF WITH SKILLS IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

AS part of efforts targeted at boosting livestock production in the country, Real People Cattle Hub, a subsidiary of Real People Concept in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, have empowered staff of the Department of Animal Husbandry in the ministry with skills in artificial insemination for cattle.

Speaking during the certification ceremony held at Real People Cattle Hub, Ododo Village, in Olaoluwa Local Government Area of Osun State, Managing Director, Real People Concept, Mr Tunmise Olagbaju, said the trainees have gone through rigorous graining at the cattle hub for two weeks.

He further noted that we have trained them on artificial insemination, reproductive ultrasonography among others. When they were coming in, they came with the intention of coming to get trained on artificial insemination, but we have trained them as reproductive experts and we are presenting certificates to them today.”

The leader of the trainees, Bello Liman, while speaking on behalf of others described the experience at Real People Cattle Hub as a very wonderful one, saying it is one of the best experience I personally have had on the job so far and I am very sure I am speaking the minds of many of my colleagues.

“Real People Concept’s arrangement is flexible and I think that flexibility is what led to where they are today because it is not that we are brought here for training and that they are going to impact knowledge and ideas on us alone, they also grab something from us. We thank them for the opportunity and we are looking forward to working with them again.”

Representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mahmood Abubakar, Osun State Coordinator of the ministry Sunday Olugbenga Atoyebi, thanked participants who have come from different states of the country to attend the training. He also thanked Real People Concept for sharing in their wealth of knowledge with the participants.

He said I understand your learning experiences covered all about artificial insemination for cattle to boost livestock production and most importantly producing special breed of offspring to boost milk production all over the country in few years to come, which is the focus for now.

25/11/2022

FG TO STREAMLINE EXISTING SORGHUM VARIETIES TO ENHANCE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, OTHERS

PRESS RELEASE

FG TO STREAMLINE EXISTING SORGHUM VARIETIES TO ENHANCE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, OTHERS

PRESS RELEASE

FG TO STREAMLINE EXISTING SORGHUM VARIETIES TO ENHANCE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, OTHERS

Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to streamline the existing sorghum varieties in the country to enhance Self-sufficiency, income generation, Food and Nutrition Security amongst others.

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar revealed this while receiving report of the Sorghum Technical Committee, in his office, in Abuja, recently.

He stated that the objective of streamlining the existing sorghum varieties was to find other ways of improving productivity, value addition and quality of sorghum produce, noting that the exercise was crucial as it would enhance farmer’s income, attract more youth to sorghum cultivation, meet national demand as well as contribute to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product.

In his words” This cannot be achieved without the collaborative efforts of all Stakeholders of which farmers, Seed producers, Input providers and international Institutes are part”.

He recalled that the technical committee arose from a sorghum stakeholders meeting on production, commercialization and product development of sorghum in Nigeria held in Gombe State in 2020, adding that to achieve the objective, the Ministry had set up the committee to streamline the existing varieties.

The Minister pointed out that, “Recently Sorghum crop assumed great industrial relevance such that many multi-national companies such as Breweries now use Sorghum grits as adjuncts (up to 40%) to barley base (Mash) for making alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages and breakfast cereals.”.

Speaking further, he noted that flour mills also use sorghum composited with wheat for flour which serves as main ingredient in the manufacturing of confectioneries and other food products which sorghum serves as one of the ingredients.

Abubakar, however, identified the prevalence of many varieties and cultivars as the major problems leading to low Sorghum productivity resulting in the supply shortfall.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe represented by Director Rural Development, Engr. Udo Daniel commended the Committee members for the report presented, hoping that the streamlining of the existing sorghum varieties would meet food and industrial demand that would achieve the desired goal.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Daniel Aba stated that Sorghum had been a sustainable crop in Nigeria and the rest of Africa and as such had gained commercial importance in most of the African countries because of its different uses, noting that the crop is gradually replacing other crops in Nigeria and other African countries.

Mohammed Abdullahi Gana
Information Officer ll
For: Director Information
25/11/2022

18/11/2022

FG LAUNCHES NAITS TO CURB LIVESTOCK RUSTLING AND IMPROVE ON LIVESTOCK BUSINESS

In a bid to address the challenges bedeviling the livestock sector, the Federal Government has launched the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) to identify, track and curb livestock rustling in Nigeria.

Speaking during the event that took place at the Hon. Minister’s Conference room, recently, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar said that the implementation of NAITS would support livestock owners to identify their animals, curb livestock rustling, facilitate interventions in the livestock sector. It will also provide provision of credit and insurance, livestock movement control, animal recording for genetic improvement and research, ease of traceability, surveillance, animal disease control among others.

The Minister emphasized that the NAITS was a comprehensive animal information management system that would utilize forgery-proof ear tags and cattle passports combined with digital technology to identify and track livestock across Nigeria, noting that the system complies with the global standards stipulated by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR).

He added that technology advancement has rapidly enhanced productivity across all sectors of our economy, noting that the progress made so far to actualize Animal Identification and Traceability in Nigeria as well as other innovations in Agriculture have been largely driven by digital transformation which has produced exponential results.

In his words, “I am therefore particularly pleased that the launching of the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) to enhance the activities of our domestic livestock sector is taking place at this time”.

Speaking further, he explained that the global trade requirements and consumer concerns for source of livestock and livestock products traded and consumed makes animal identification and traceability very necessary to enable Nigeria compete favorably in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and launch Nigeria livestock and livestock products into the International market.

He, therefore, pointed out that, NAITS would be implemented in all 36 states and the FCT, highlighting that stakeholder engagement and sensitization on NAITS have already commenced in Bauchi, Edo, Enugu, Lagos, Katsina, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and FCT and would continue until all states are covered.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe represented by the Director Human Resources Management, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade explained that as part of the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the country, animal identification and traceability system would facilitate keeping accurate production records of the herd and information about the owner amongst others.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu- Nupe commended the Federal Government for the implementation of NAITS noting that it would assist to foster collaboration in Agricultural sector, provide significant benefits for agricultural landowners, farmers and would also assist to incentivize landowners to produce economic pasture which would support the livestock sector while simultaneously obtaining organic manure for the livestock owner to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Highlight of the event was the official launch of National Animal Identification and Traceability System’s office, within the premises of the ministry.

In attendance were the Etsu-Nupe, HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Development partners drawn from Ranch ID, Megacorp among other stakeholders.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Assistant Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
18/11/2022

09/11/2022

FMARD, STAKEHOLDERS BRAINSTORM ON NEW NATIONAL ANIMAL FEED POLICY DOCUMENT

In a bid to produce a new National Animal Feed Policy Document, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has embarked on the review of the existing policy with a view to achieving the desired roadmap for animal feed and militate the challenges against animal feed sector in Nigeria.

Speaking during the event that took place at Agricultural and Rural Training Institute, ARMTI, Gudu, Abuja, recently, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe represented by the Director Special Duties, Mrs. Fausat Lawal said that the review was aimed at providing a draft document ahead of the forthcoming 2nd Animal Feed Summit.

He recalled that at the end of the 1st Animal Feed Summit that was held on the 23rd to 25th September, 2021 in Abuja, a draft Feed Policy document was developed.

Dr. Umakhihe stated that the Ministry had successfully conducted the 1st National Animal Feed Summit, with the theme “Developing a road map for Animal Feed Security in Nigeria”, adding that the summit attracted key stakeholders from policy, research and commerce arms of the feed industry and the broader livestock sub-sector.

He revealed that “critical issues were raised on the need to strategically develop a comprehensive feed sector database, harness crop residues to boost feed security and safeguard environment, Prioritize efforts and investment in harnessing alternative feed resources amongst others’’.

He pointed out that National Animal Feed Summit would achieve the desired roadmap for animal feed in the country and also develop an internationally recognized National Animal Feed Policy document for Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary urged the participants to use the consultative meeting as a call to National duty to develop a well-reviewed animal feed policy tailored towards actionable plan to attain sustainable animal feed security in the country.

Earlier, the Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Services, Mrs. Winnie Lai Solarin said that “the summit started in 2020 with a zero draft document adding that the first National Feed Policy brought about the copy that is being reviewed’’.

In her remarks, the Director, Animal Husbandry Services, FCT, Hajiya Umma Abubakar said that the policy guide would provide comprehensive implementation of activities beyond local production and improve the Animal Feed Security in Nigeria.

Participants were drawn from Federal Capital Territory, Animal Husbandry Services Department, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, livestock stakeholders amongst others.

Mohammed Abdullahi Gana
Information Officer II
For: Director Information
9/11/22

28/10/2022

FG COMMISSIONS MULTIPURPOSE GRAIN DRYER MACHINE, TO REDUCE POST-HARVEST LOSSES AND BOOST PRODUCTION.

In a bid to boost Agriculture and reduce post – harvest losses, the Federal Government on Thursday 27th October 2022, in Abuja commissioned the Multipurpose Grain Dryer Machine.

Performing the Commissioning Ceremony, Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri stated that the Multipurpose Grain Dryer Machine was meant for Smallholder Farmers in order to reduce post-harvest losses, boost production and enhanced livelihood of Farming Families.

The Minister further stated that the introduction of the Grain Dryer Machine to the Smallholder Farmer was in line with the Ministry’s comprehensive Mechanization Policy as presented in the Green Imperative Project and it would aid in tackling the high level of post-harvest losses in the country as well as preservation of crops.

The Minister pointed out that 90 per cent of farmers in Nigeria are Smallholder Farmers and that the Federal Government’s approach towards revolutionizing the Agricultural Sector was to empower the Smallholders Farmers.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, represented by the Director, General Services Department, Mr. Solomon Abdul stated that the new extension approach of providing necessary Machines to farmers group would guarantee treating Agriculture as a business venture to attract the necessary investments, innovations and best practices for National Development.

Earlier, in his remark, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Engr. Frank Kudla said that the adoption of the multigrain dyer technology would effectively expand marketing opportunities, contribute to better livelihood of Smallholder Farmers and significantly enhance Food Security in the Country.

He added that the Multigrain Dryer would strengthen the Agricultural Extension Services efforts to effectively promote Post-Harvest Losses (PHLS) reduction in Nigeria.

In a Goodwill Message, the Traditional Ruler of Kwali, Etsu Shaban Audu, commended the Federal Government for providing the multi- purpose dryer machine for the Smallholder Farmers.

Highlight of the event was the commissioning of the Multi-Purpose Crop/Grain Drying Machine by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and other Dignitaries. While a Traditional dance group from Kwali entertained guests.

The GTR 750 Mobile Dryer has the capacity to dry 1000kg of maize per hour and reduce its moisture by 10 percent. In addition, the machine has heating capacity of 290kw (direct) and air capacity of 12000m3 per hour.

Mohammed Abdullahi Gana
Information Officer II
For: Director, Information (FMARD)
28/10/2022.

21/10/2022

FG, STAKEHOLDERS DEVELOPS 5 YEARS NCSP, TO CURTAIL THE SPREAD OF TRANSBOUNDARY DISEASES IN THE LIVESTOCK SUB SECTOR – ABUBAKAR

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar said that the Ministry in collaboration with the Relevant Stakeholders has developed a Five Years National Control Strategic Plans (NCSP), to curtail the spread of Transboundary Diseases in the Livestock Sub Sector in Nigeria. He added that the Plan would ensure improved animal production and productivity for sustainable Livestock Development in the Country.

The Minister made this known at the Flag-Off Ceremony of the 2022 Nationwide Mass Vaccination Campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases for the North-Central Zone in Abuja, recently.

Dr. Mohammad Abubakar revealed that the Ministry had revalidated the Emergency Preparedness Plan for the Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and reviewed the Animal Disease Control Act, 2022 which was signed by Mr. President.

Abubakar further stated that the Ministry in its efforts to curtail the spread of Transboundary Animal Diseases had procured 4,148,000 doses of CBPP vaccines, 15,479,500 doses of PPR vaccines, 2,000,000 doses of FMD vaccines and 3,000,000 doses of Newcastle Disease vaccines to be allocated to the 36 States of the Federation and FCT based on request.

The Minister pointed out that over the years and in order to ensure effective coverage of the vaccination, the Ministry had supported all the states including FCT with veterinary Medicare inputs including vaccines and other consumables, veterinary infrastructure such as Primary Health Centers among others.

He therefore appealed to States to key into the exercise, take full ownership and sustain it in order to protect and preserve the critical livestock resources of the North Central Geopolitical Zone and the Country at large.

According to him, ‘’with the country’s Livestock Population, estimated at 22,378,374 Cattle; 53,061,143 Sheep; 99,879,799 Goats; 9,299,563 Pigs and over 425,790,456 Poultry, livestock production remains a key means of livelihood in the country. Indeed, the sector provides gainful employment for about 70% of the population, especially the rural dwellers’’.

He noted that ‘’the sector also provides several benefits, such as supply of animal protein, source of income and cash reserves for use in emergency and for fulfilment of cultural and religious obligations. In addition, the by-products from livestock, including hides and skin are used in the production of materials such as belts, shoes and bags while animal wastes serve as manure for crop production’’.

In her remarks, the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu represented by the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola stated that with the right structure in place, the Livestock Sub -Sector had the capacity to become Nigeria’s second leading revenue earner.

She expressed optimism that with such Presidential Interventions as the nationwide vaccination exercise, the menace of animal diseases would be curtailed and it would enhance sustainable development as well as guarantee food security in the country.

In her welcome address , the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and the Director Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Dr, Maimuna Habib stated the Ministry’s commitment towards capacity building in the Federal and State levels through training and re-training for diseases emergencies and protect loss of livelihood.

She pointed out the Ministry’s continuous support and collaboration with States to ensure the good health of livestock in Nigeria through the provision of vaccines, trainings, disinfectants and veterinary drugs among others.

Highlight of the event was the symbolic flag off of Vaccination Exercise by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar and the Representative of the Hon. Minister of State FCTA, Olusade Adesola, among others

In attendance were Sheep and Goat Farmers Association of Nigeria, Members of Pastoral Associations, Myetti Allah cattle Breeders, Traditional Rulers among others.

The Major Transboundary Animal Diseases are namely; Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Diseases (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), African Swine Fever (ASF) and Animal Trypanosomosis and Tick – Borne Diseases.

Obe M. Mabel
Senior Information Officer
For Director, Information
20th October, 2022

18/10/2022

NIGERIA JOINS REST OF THE WORLD TO COMMEMORATE WORLD FOOD DAY

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in collaboration with its development partners joined the rest of the world to commemorate 2022 World Food Day to promote worldwide awareness, action against poverty, hunger and highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

The 2022 World Food Day Ministerial Press Briefing which took place at the Minister’s Conference room, in Abuja, recently, was with the theme: “leave no one behind, better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life”.

Speaking at the event, the Hon. Minister, FMARD, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar revealed that the main goal of the World Food Day was to celebrate the promotion of food security around the world especially during difficult times.
He noted that Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has continued to play an important role in achieving this goal by promoting a more resilient food system.

Abubakar pointed out that the World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16th October to mark the anniversary of the founding of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945, adding that it was a collective action across FAO member countries to promote worldwide awareness and action against poverty and hunger.

In his words, “This day serves as a catalyst for people to get involved, reduce food waste and help feed millions so that hunger related problems around the world are significantly reduced.”

“The day is like a reminder to eat mindfully and consider that millions of people are unable to afford one meal for themselves, it is important that we rededicate ourselves to this very important event and its purpose by drawing attention through global awareness, bold action and innovation to enhance effective channels that would make our food systems stronger and more equitable”, the Minister added.

Speaking further, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government and FAO’s renewed commitment for continuous collaboration to strengthen the Agricultural sector and enhance food and nutrition security while contributing to the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria.

He, therefore, commended FAO for its immense contributions towards National Development and urged all stakeholders to align with the Organization’s strategic objectives aimed at achieving a world free from hunger, malnutrition and poverty in a sustainable manner.

In his remarks, the FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero said, analysis carried out at the beginning of the year indicted that approximately 19.4m people faced food insecurity in 21 States and FCT. According to him, “as food insecurity worsen, so does the risk of malnutrition, “it is estimated that about 2m children suffer from severe acute malnutrition”.

Earlier, during the sensitization/ walk awareness rally, the Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe represented by Director, General Services, Mr. Solomon Abdul stated that the walk and sensitization rally was a demonstration of commitment towards mobilizing and spreading the World Food Day messages across the globe, noting that the march was one of the hundreds of events which highlights global efforts to achieve zero hunger.

Highlight of the event, was the walk/ sensitization rally from the Ministry’s complex to the Unity Fountain, Central Area, to commemorate the 2022 World Food Day.

In attendance were the representatives of the Ministry’s development partners such as Oxfam, Actionaid Nigeria, FAO, AFAN amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
ACIO
For: Director Information
18/10/22

07/10/2022

FMARD ADVOCATES FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER

…sensitize farmers on provision of National Fertilizer Quality Control Act.

In a bid to sustain the growth of the Agricultural sector, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has advocated for the use and local production of organic fertilizers to enhance production, improve soil conditions, extend shelf-life of organic produce amongst others.

This advocacy came during a training workshop on Zonal Promotion of Organic Fertilizer and Use at the local level, using Eco-friendly Agricultural Technologies organized by the Department of Farm Inputs Support Services at Agric. Show Ground, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, recently.

In his speech, the Director, Mr. Muhammad Kwaido represented by the Assistant Director, Organic Fertilizer Quality Control, Mrs. Afusatu Babalola stated that the programme would provide an ample opportunity for increased advocacy for the use /adoption of organic fertilizer in Nigeria and to halt the current rejection of Nigerian produce in the International markets.

In his words, “Nigerian farmers i believe are well prepared to adopt the use of organic fertilizers as the country is blessed with abundant raw materials such as plant residues, poultry, livestock waste, biogas residue and agricultural by-products that are readily available locally”.

“The Increasing consumer demand for organic produce locally has also indicated that the sector has high growth potential. As you may be aware, presently most of the organic products on sale across the country are imported from overseas which needed to be bridged to generate wealth and employment particularly among the youth” the Director added.

He pointed out that the Russian-Ukraine conflict, importation of inorganic raw materials such as Muriate of Potash (MOP) and difficulty in accessing foreign exchange made it necessary to look inward and pay attention to the local preparation of these Organic fertilizers.

Speaking further, the Director revealed the benefits of adopting the use of locally made organic formulations, which would invariably reduce the cost of purchasing fertilizers, improve soil fertility, improve general livelihood of farmers amongst others.

In his presentation, the Head, National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) Nyanya Sub-station, Dr. Innocent Onyekwere highlighted the objectives of promoting Organic Fertilizer Production and its uses at the local levels using eco-friendly agricultural technologies.

One of the participants at the Workshop, a small holder farmer, Mrs. Aishatu Gunde thanked the Ministry for the initiative and enlightenment workshop, expressed delight for being part of training workshop.

According to her, “I have gained knowledge on how to prepare local organic fertilizer and its benefits instead of using the chemical fertilizer”.
In a similar vein, the Department of Farm Inputs Support Services also sensitized farmers on the provision of the National fertilizer Quality Control (NFQC) Act.

The Director, FISS, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Inputs use and National Agriculture Growth Scheme, Ishaku Buba, revealed that the Fertilizer Act and the Regulations contained provisions to address any abnormality that could be perpetrated by any player operating in the Fertilizer sub-sector.

He pointed out that the Ministry had created a platform for farmers to know the status of input producers and the distributors, the quality status of the products they are producing and marketing, the means of identifying fake or substandard products, complain mechanism in place to report observed abnormalities and seek redress and compensation for substandard products purchased.

In attendance were the representative of the Nasarawa State Coordinator, FMARD, Head of River Rice Farmers Association, Head of Maize Association of Nigeria amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia
Assistant Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
06/10/2022

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FG JOINS OTHER MEMBER NATIONS ON THE HAND- IN-HAND INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SECURITY, OTHERS

SHORT SPEECH IN HONOUR OF 2021 ILORIN VICTORIOUS MEDALIST FEPSGA 2021

REAL PEOPLE CONCEPT, FMARD EMPOWERS MINISTRY STAFF WITH SKILLS IN ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

FG TO STREAMLINE EXISTING SORGHUM VARIETIES TO ENHANCE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, OTHERS

FG LAUNCHES NAITS TO CURB LIVESTOCK RUSTLING AND IMPROVE ON LIVESTOCK BUSINESS

FMARD, STAKEHOLDERS BRAINSTORM ON NEW NATIONAL ANIMAL FEED POLICY DOCUMENT

FG COMMISSIONS MULTIPURPOSE GRAIN DRYER MACHINE, TO REDUCE POST-HARVEST LOSSES AND BOOST PRODUCTION.

FG, STAKEHOLDERS DEVELOPS 5 YEARS NCSP, TO CURTAIL THE SPREAD OF TRANSBOUNDARY DISEASES IN THE LIVESTOCK SUB SECTOR – ABUBAKAR

NIGERIA JOINS REST OF THE WORLD TO COMMEMORATE WORLD FOOD DAY

FMARD ADVOCATES FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER

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