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
De Edge Farms
Thursday, October 24, 2013
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
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
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.
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
De Edge Farms
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
De Edge Farms
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