1,000 Farmers Empowered

The Federal Government says that building capacities of Nigeria Farmers in modern agriculture is fundamental to the actualization of the nations self-reliant and sustainable Food Security/sufficiency.

To this end, well-over thirty two thousand (32,000) disease free improved varieties of Plantain/Banana nurseries/suckers have been distributed to about one thousand (1000) prime farmers including Women and Youth Entrepreneurs in four Pilot States in the Federation. The States include Abia, Delta, Oyo and Cross River among others.

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina announced this through the Deputy Director, Horticulture Transformation Value Chain and the National Project Co-coordinator, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-UN) in the Ministry, Mr. Michael Kanu during a-six day Trainer of Trainees Workshop for Farmers held in Abia State Capital, Umuahia, recently. The Workshop was entitled “strengthening Plantain/Banana production in Nigeria for Domestic Consumption and Export”.

According to the Agriculture Minister Dr. Adesina, the Workshop was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the FAO-UN under the Technical Cooperation Project, aimed at mainstreaming horticulture in the nation’s engine of growth for economic diversity, poverty reduction, wealth and job creation.

The Minister expressed Nigeria’s profound gratitude to FAO-UN Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Louise Sethswealo for supporting the campaign for global food security especially, in Nigeria and urged it not to relent.

Earlier, the FAO-UN Country Representative who spoke through the Desk Officer, Technical Cooperation Project, FAO-UN, Mrs. Adeola Akinrinlola, observed that the Workshop was organized to acquaint Farmers in Umuahia, Abia State with the latest Plantain/Banana Production Techniques and Post harvest Technologies in order to make farming business a profitable venture.

The FAO-UN country representative disclosed that in a bid to accomplish the UN Agricultural support mandate to developing countries, improve in the technical skills of farmers to overcome production constraints and to establish pilot Field Planting Nurseries/suckers as a source of Tissue Culture planting materials beyond the project life time, FAO-UN provided a funding grant of $477,000 Dollars (N77m) to Nigeria`s FMARD to compliment the shortfall in her budgetary provision of $1.4m towards funding this project.

She gave her words that beneficiaries of the Plantain/Banana farmers Capacity Building Workshop should make maximum use of the knowledge gained from the Training session to chart a future for themselves as well as contribute to nation building.

Reacting, three Participants at the Workshop from the local Governments in Abia State, Mrs. Kenneth Kanu, Onuoha Chikwendu and Mrs. Mercy Okwum, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for showcasing the workshop; noting that they are better equipped now with exposure to new farming technology and promised to translate all they have learnt into practice for increased Plantain/Banana production.

Lectures on “Tissue Culture and Plantlet Production” and “Entrepreneurship and Business Management” of post harvest Plantain Production were delivered by two eminent Agricultural Scientific Consultants/Experts from the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Dr Sunday Akinyemi and Dr Awoyemi Taiwo to the participants

The highlight of the Workshop was the distribution and handover of about 100 improved Disease Free Plantain/Banana Nurseries/Suckers to each of the 100 Participants drawn from the LGAs to enable them develop private model Farms in their respective Communities.

The Workshop also witnessed the inspection of Sites for the establishment of Pilot Plantain/Banana farms in the four selected Pilot Local Government Areas comprising of Arochukwu/Ohafia, Bende/Ikwuano, Ukwa/Ngwa and Umuahia North and that of ADP Central Nursery for Abia State to serve as source replication centers for the State.

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Eat Nigerian Rice, Create Jobs for the Youths - Maku

The Honourable Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku has called on Nigerians to show patriotism in the emerging rice revolution in the country and eat Nigerian Rice to develop the country and provide jobs for her youth.

Mr. Labaran Maku who inspected of Ebony rice Mill in Ikwo expressed delight on the activities of Ebony rice mill especially on how it has been able to come up with Nigerian rice devoid of stones and smell.

Briefing the National Good Governance Tour (NGGT) team, Chief Executive of Ebony Agro Industries Engr. Charles Ugwu said the company has been able to produce Nigerian rice based on its partnership with the Federal Government through the Public-Private-partnership (PPP) arrangement. 

Through the PPP initiative of the Federal Government, Engr. Ugwu revealed that Ebony Rice Mill has benefited from the N550 Million loan Rice Intervention Scheme with a four percent interest rate.

He also informed the team of a bigger rice mill which his company is working on in Adani, Enugu State which is expected to be operational before the end of the year 2013. Under the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme of the Federal Government run by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he said the company has received a credit line of N1.2 Billion to buy paddy at 7% interest rate (compared to the normal interest rate of 18%).

The tremendous support of the Federal Government, according to Engr. Ugwu has greatly assisted his company, as the company could conveniently finance the stock and sustain the out-growers.

The government assistance, he continued, has also enabled Ebony Rice Mill produce Nigerian rice which could match the quality of any imported rice and could compete with any in the world.

In his response, the Minister said, “the new policy of government in agriculture is business driven which explain why the Rice Intervention Fund is given at four percent interest rate to rice millers”. 

He said it was a deliberate effort of government to ensure that Nigeria is self-sufficient in rice production, as it planned to ban importation of rice by 2015.

Mr. Maku assured Nigerians that under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government has a programme that is different from any agriculture programmes in the past, and that in less than one year the result has been manifest.

The Minister referred to the Ebony Rice Mill as an example of Public Private Partnership (PPP) efforts of the Federal Government and he called on other investors to make use of the PPP arrangement and develop the Agricultural Sector and other Sectors of the economy.

Mr. Maku also called the attention of the Media to the success of the government’s Public-Private Partnership initiative and the one digit interest rate on Agriculture loan as a morale booster which Engr. Ugwu accessed to increase his company working capital.

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Our Future Depends on Agriculture not Oil - Adesina

With oil being discovered in all nooks and crannies of Africa, sustenance of Nigeria’s pre-eminence can only be made through the black gold of the next generation – farming and agribusiness.

        With fast increasing population and the possible world famine, only nations that take agriculture seriously and feed themselves would rule the world in the next 10 years.

The Nigeria Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina gave this hint in Abeokuta – the Ogun State capital while addressing the 40th session of the National Council on Agriculture.

“Accept it or leave it, agriculture has overtaken oil and gas as the world’s bride and falls back to agriculture to compete in the emerging digital age adding that Agriculture holds the potentials for future of the world and told the experts that they must sensitize their States to come to grips with something more enduring and sustainable than oil and gas.

Dr. Adesina said 60% of all cultivable land in the world is in Africa and that Nigeria having the largest share of this land means providence is providing us yet another great opportunity to move ahead of the world, industrially, economically and technologically.

He said: "The future can no longer be in oil but something we have invaluable comparative advantage in and it has to be agriculture so there is no future for Nigeria without Agriculture”. 

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Come to Nigeria: Minister asks Brazil

Given the advanced technology in farming in Brazil, Nigeria has asked for the need to have a close partnership with Brazil in order for the country to understand how Brazil developed its agriculture.
Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina made this call during a dinner with Brazilian investors and stakeholders in agribusiness in Sao Paulo during an official tour of agro-ventures in Brazil. He said Brazil was a net exporter of food just like Nigeria few years ago and that if Brazil could rise above her challenges then Nigeria has no reason to remain where it is today. The growing influence of Brazil in global economic fora is linked to her ability to feed herself and export to the world community

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Sheep and Goat Transformation Agenda

Federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has mapped out strategies to tackle challenges in goat and sheep farming in the country with a view to shifting the paradigm from the low input/low output subsistence system to commercial and intensive production by 2015.

This was revealed, last week, at the ‘sheep and goat value chain growth enhancement support scheme sensitization workshop,’ organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) at OYSADEP conference hall, moor plantation Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Director, Federal Livestock Department and Desk Officer, sheep and goat value chain Mr John Taiwo, who noted that although sheep and goat contributed 32% meat compared to 22% cattle, and provided skins which earned foreign exchange, intensification and commercialisation of the sheep and goats had not been given required attention.

He highlighted the major challenges to include diseases, such as Peste des Petit Ruminant (PPR Kata), parasites, dry season feeding, and poor management.

Other challenges include the low genetic predisposition of the Nigerian sheep /goat breeds; the slaughter of large number of pregnant female large ruminants; lack of modern marketing system which leaves producers at the mercy of middlemen that exploit them for their own benefits, among many other challenges.

The livestock department, therefore, according to Mr Taiwo, was introducing compounded commercial feed to support the improvement in productivity and production of sheep/goats in order to make it a worthwhile business for the farmers and close protein deficiency gap in the country.

The Sheep and Goat desk officer, who disclosed that the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) revolved around animal health care and feed, said the focus was on the small holder farmers who were already in the business.

South-West Regional Director of FMARD, who was represented by Dr Adesegun Oyekoya, said the agric transformation agenda was to increase meat output from the current 440,109 to 585,785 metric tonnes; improve population of sheep and goats by 30 per cent, from 92,043,900 to 119,657,070; generate over 450,000 new jobs, among others.

Also, Oyo State Director of FMARD, Mr Adebayo Lasisi, said that the ministry was set to upgrade capacity along the value chain and provide enabling environment for effective linkage of all stakeholders, adding that technical assistance would be provided where necessary to ensure improved supply of wholesome meat, food security, job and wealth creation.

De Edge Farms

Who We Are:

De Edge Farms Limited comprise a team of hobby farmers with passion for Youth in Agriculture and Food Security

What We Do:

At De Edge Farms:
We source and supply farmers with all types of farm produce and equipment;
We sell and deliver all forms of agricultural products to consumers; and
We engage farmers in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Service

Our Vision:

To become Nigeria's leading Venture in ICTs Application in Agriculture.

Our Mission:


To provide a suitable, adaptable, and interactive platform for agro service and information exchange.

Contact Us:

De Edge Farms
Contact Office:
Suite 6A, Plot 50, Obi Okoli Avenue,
Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State.

de.edgeltd@gmail.com
www.deedgefarms.blogspot.com

+234 803 739 1543
+234 815 294 0648

Agriculture Nears End In America

The end of agriculture in America is near. American agriculture will soon lose its competitive edge.
So say some agricultural opponents. They also think that….
The high costs of producing food in America, compared with the costs in other countries, are pushing American producers out of business as foreign competitors develop enough to serve the same markets. Overseas producers with lower input costs will increasingly be able to undersell American producers.
Other major factors that will change the face of American agriculture include energy shortages, exhausted land and limited water resources.
Opponents of today’s agriculture suggest stripping away the romance and nostalgia surrounding agriculture and seeing it for what it is – a business. They argue it’s a business with limited potential for long-term profits because of its competitive nature.
Look at the big picture, they say. The whole world can produce crops in 2013.
Are these startling new revelations or are they predictions of those totally out of touch with the business of farming and ranching?
Critics of American agriculture contend that crop yields will not keep up with population growth. Some predict by the year 2050, arable American farmland will decrease nearly 200 million acres.
They also say water will become scarcer, forcing a shift of farming to regions where rainfall is plentiful. Marginal rainfall regions like the western half of Kansas, eastern Colorado and the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas may be destined to revert to grassland or the Great American Desert.
Should this happen, the United States will cease to be a food exporter. Our new diet will contain less meat and dairy products, more grains and beans and a sparser variety of vegetables.
It is hard for farmers and ranchers to stomach such predictions when American agriculture remains the envy of the world.
There is no doubt agriculture, like the rest of the U.S. economy, will continue to face challenges. True, this country is already impacted by higher input costs, dwindling avenues of trade and the constant wrath of Mother Nature.
In spite of these challenges, farmers and ranchers remain dedicated to staying on the land and continuing in their chosen vocation. They, better than anyone, understand the land they depend on for their livelihood is finite.
Care for this critical resource continues to improve. Today’s farmers are increasing their organic matter in the soil. With the continuing practice of no-till and reduced tillage farming, farmers continue to build organic matter and improve the soil tilth. There is no reason to consider this practice will be discontinued.
New and improved crop varieties are continually coming down the pike. Production practices continue to evolve and improve.
As for the question of water, this is always a major concern in farm and ranch country. Producers constantly chart rainfall amounts and monitor weather conditions. In Kansas, farmers are aware of changes in the Ogallala Aquifer.
They are tuned into water and the conservation of this vital resource. Some, especially in the western half of the state are concerned about the potential of long-term climate change. If such a phenomenon should occur, there is the possibility Kansas could become more arid – more like New Mexico, for example.
Barring a major shift in our climate, crops will continue to be planted in western Kansas. Production could be less than now, but this land will be farmed and farmed wisely.
Without question, today’s crop of agricultural detractors raises some interesting possibilities. But American agriculture is up to the task. This country has the minds, machinery and dedication to continue producing for people around the globe.
John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.

Kogi Sensitizes Farmers on Agricultural Biotechnology, Commends FG

Kogi State deputy governor Yomi Awoniyi has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his bold step in the transformation agenda to resuscitate the agricultural sector, describing the action as a right step in a right direction.

Speaking at the government house Lokoja, to participants of a seminar on agricultural biotechnology for the north central zone, he stated that the agricultural revolution of the present administration would boost the nation’s economy and food security.

The deputy governor who was representing the governor stated that there is need for a law guiding bio safety to be integrated into production of agricultural technology, because of its usefulness, with the need to educate and enlighten consumers on the value chain of biotechnology products also emphasized.

Mr Awoniyi reiterated the state government’s commitment to partner with the national biotechnology development agency in creating awareness that will boost food productivity, food security and improve the socio economic life of the people of the state.

Mrs Rose Gidado, the country co coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, OFAB while addressing the people on the progress and products of modern biotechnology in Nigeria stated that the importance of modification of crop cannot be over emphasized, explaining that crop modification has been in practice in other countries, pointing out that over 50 percent of crop are genetically modified.

Other speakers also encouraged the people not to be afraid of genetically modified crops pointing out that the United States has been consuming genetically modified crops without any cases of health hazard

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World Poverty Day: GEJ calls Youths to embrace Agriulture

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Dr Precious Gbeneol, has appealed to youths across Nigeria to embrace agriculture as a means of viable employment, by taking advantage of the various policies of the government.

Dr Gbeneol, who said this on the occasion of World Poverty Day, on Thursday, noted that putting more people to work remained the most sustainable way to eradicate poverty.

The presidential adviser said Nigeria had made progress in its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty since the country, alongside others, adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000.

She noted that Nigeria had partly achieved the goal one, which dealt with eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, ahead of target date of 2015, by reducing the proportion of people suffering from hunger by 50 per cent.

Nigeria was honoured for the achievement at the week-long 38th session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in Rome, earlier in the year.

FAO had indicated that Nigeria got the award because it had been able to reduce the number of its citizens suffering from hunger from 19.31 million in 1990 and 1992 to 13.38 million in 2010 and 2012.

Gbeneol noted that the Ministry of Agriculture had, in the past three years, been able to train 5,000 youths in 10 different value chains and provide start-up packages for 6,000 youths, including access to credit and other inputs through the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES); training of 2,500 women in poultry, bull fattening, sheep and goat production, bee keeping, crop value chains and extension, among others.

She called on the private sector to come up with more creative ways of creating employment as a means of alleviating poverty.

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Parastatals under Agric Ministry urged to Support NAIC

Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture have been asked to give necessary support to the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), the agricultural risks insurer owned by the federal government to enable it deliver on its mandate.

The Chairman of the company, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, made the plea during inauguration of the company’s board in Abuja recently. According to her, the support for NAIC would go a long way to attaining the agricultural transformation agenda of the federal government.

She tasked other members of NAIC board to justify their appointments saying “the spirit of team work and self sacrifice should be imbibed by all of us, while the culture of business as usual must be jettisoned.”

Ohakim assured government and other stakeholders in the company that the new board would leave a lasting legacy at the end of the day. “We are all determined to leave a lasting legacy for posterity, so that we scale-up the operations and service delivery of all the agencies of government,” she said.

She also called on NAIC staff and management to team up with the new board towards forging ahead, saying “the board would go the extra-mile with the view to ensuring and sustaining government support to enable NAIC to operate optimally for the benefit of farmers nationwide.”

The chairman also charged the management of NAIC to ensure that all categories of farmers, especially the small farm holders are carried along by NAIC, saying extension services should be regularly organised to up-date farmers with modern farming techniques and how to maximising farm yields.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NAIC, Mr. Tijjani Garba, has explained that employees in the company had great expectations from the board in view of the profile of members of the new board.
He assured the board members that employees in the organisation were ready to support them even as they have already keyed into the federal government transformation agenda of making food available to Nigerians.

According to him, the company has re-engineered its operations towards up-scaling NAIC service delivery to farmers, especially in the areas of prompt claims payment and extension services to farmers across the country.

“The corporation has recently been reengineered to verify and pay the high volume of claims requests from all crops and livestock destroyed as a result of last year’s flood and any other disaster,” Garba said.

Before now, NAIC’s management reassured existing and potential investors in the country’s agricultural sector of its commitment to protecting and growing their investments.

The insurer also symphatised with investors whose farms and crops were ravaged by flood, drought, pest invasion and pestilences across the country, assuring them that the corporation would go out of its way to ensure that they smile again to the banks.

The agricultural risks specialist insurer said the reengineering of its products and processes is to ensure that farmers who are involved in any form of insured losses are restored without unnecessary delays.

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