Nigeria: FG Urged to Embrace Bio-Crops Biotechnology to Address Food Challenge

Abuja — Renowned agriculturist and food security expert, Dr. Joseph Odusanya, has called on the federal government to embrace the cutting-edge bio-crops biotechnology, the latest innovation in plantlets and seed multiplication, as the solution to the country's food challenge. 

He said that the massive deployment of the technology will improve the country's foreign exchange.

Odusanya, who is the Chief Executive Officer, of Bio-crops Biotechnology, made the disclosure weekend, while conducting the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTDA), Mr. John Chukwu, around the plant and seed multiplication laboratories and farms in Abuja.

Farmers bemoan recent govt. policy on rice importation

Rice farmers in Katsina State coming under the aegis of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, have faulted the recent decision of the Nigerian Customs Service legalising the importation of rice through land borders.

Speaking yesterday through the state chairman of AFAN, Dr Yau Umar Gojogojo, the farmers urged the government to reconsider the policy insisting that it was capable of discouraging local production.

NCAN Hails FG’s Choice Of Audu Ogbeh As Agriculture Minister

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) on Wednesday hailed the Federal Government’s choice of Audu Ogbeh as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogbeh is a renowned cashew farmer.

Mr Sotonye Anga, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Anga said that the sector needed a vibrant agriculturalist to oversee its affairs.

Farmers set agenda for new agric minister

Nigerian farmers have set agenda for the new agriculture minister, calling on the current administration to pay adequate attention to their most pressing needs.
Investigations revealed that the top three needs of the farmers that require urgent intervention are access to inputs such as seeds, fertilizer and agrochemicals; provision of microcredit; and provision of extension services to help them on modern farming techniques.
Findings showed that the farmers are also in dire need of good market and guaranteed minimum price for their produce.
Other needs of the farmers which they want the federal government to quickly address are access to land, mechanized farming and provision of access roads to evacuate their produce from the remote farms to the markets.

Jatropha: What is it used for?

The Jatropha plant has in the last few years grown in popularity and acceptance due to its new found uses but many still are oblivious to this incredible plant.

It may be a common plant growing behind the house of the neighbor next door and treated like an irritating weed when it’s uses are not known but the Jatropha is more than that.

So what is the Jatropha?

The Jatropha goes by different names in different countries. In Nigeria, the Yorubas call it ‘Lapalapa’ or ‘Gbotuje’ or ‘Iyalode’

The Ibos refer to it has ‘Ncheogba’ while the Hausas know it as ‘Bindazugu’.

It grows in every place imaginable, even on waste lands.

What is the Jatropha used for?

The jatropha has many uses in today’s world.

Let’s start with the oil.

Why the fear of Jatropha farming is unfounded

I like writing a lot about Jatropha. That’s because anytime I am around farmers who deal in the planting or processing of this unique crop, they give out so much energy and enthusiasm, that I get drawn into the same passionate wave.

Let me restate here that if financial freedom with ease is what you desire as a farmer then your investment plan must include the Green Gold: Jatropha Curcas.

You may have heard that Jatropha is a source of renewable energy which is currently used for bio diesel which fuel standard diesel engines of cars, plants and even air planes. You heard right.

But what is so special about this plant?