Flour Mills invest in large-scale commercial agriculture

Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

In line with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration the nation’s agricultural sector received a boost from the Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, as the company began investing in large-scale commercial farming of different crops across the country.

The Group Managing Director, Flour Mills Mr Paul Gbededo made the disclosure at the company’s 53rd annual general meeting, and said that as the country is diversifying away from oil, agriculture is now seen as the next frontier to grow the nation’s economy.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the company in keeping with its focus on vertical integration of agro –allied business has invested in the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of maize, 1,000 hectares of soybean, 1,000 hectares of cassava and 50 hectares of sorghum in its 10,000 hectares Kaboji Farm near Kontagora, Niger State.

Gbededo said that the company’s achievement during the financial year ended March 31, 2013, includes the acquisitions of Thai Farm International Company Ltd, a leading cassava flour processing company, and ROM Oil Mills, an integrated edible oil processing company.

According to him, Thai Farm in Ososa, Ogun State has proven to be one of the two leading suppliers of high quality cassava flour (HQCF) to flour millers in Nigeria under the cassava flour inclusion initiative of the Federal Government.

He explained that the company with its focus on joint venture possibilities, acquisitions, mergers and take-over is planning to  engage reputable partners to grow and consolidate on its agro-allied business in line with Federal Government‘s agricultural and industrial transformation agenda.

“We are growing our food business. We are also expanding into the agro-allied space and we think we will be able to add more value to the country. We are still restructuring. We are consolidating. We are looking for areas to create and add value, not only to our stakeholders, but also the Nigerian populace,” he said.

The Company Secretary and Director, Olalekan Saliu, said the company effort is in the direction of food security in the country by growing soya beans, cassava, sorghum and sugar cane on the 17,000 hectares of land in Sunti, Niger State.

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CADP contributes 12% to Lagos agricultural GDP

Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

The Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP)  Lagos State, has disclosed contributing about 12.75 per cent to the State Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012, through its intervention fund to the commercial farmers.

The State CADP coordinator, Mr Kehinde Ogunyinka confirmed this to NaijaAgroNet while speaking at the forum with the theme:”Media and the challenges of food security in Nigeria” organised for stakeholders in the industry, Wednesday, to showcase the results and impacts of CADP on small-medium commercial farmers in the State.

Ogunyinka also said that the project had supported 1,483 farmers under the aquaculture value chain with various inputs including collapsible fish tank, extruding technology; fish seed; solar submersible pumping machine smoking kiln; pen and cage culture system and tricycle and so on.

He listed other beneficences to include 1,284 farmers under the rice value chain, with 300 farmers in the estate with input in poultry from point of lay and cage, day old chicks’ hatchery and incubator, deflowering machine, blast freezer and cold room.

“The promotion of the use of fitted battery cage for poultry birds by the project beneficiaries has resulted in the reduction of mortality and disease transmission by over 15 per cent, increase in egg production 20 per cent, feed wastage by over 40 per cent,” he said.

NaijaAgroNet equally gathered that CADP has intervened in the area of infrastructure, constructing a total of 22.19Km rural roads in 10 locations which has impacted the travel time to the nearest market within the communities to reduce from 22 minutes before the intervention to 18.77 minutes.

The project coordinator also said it has intervened in the area of energy support to compliment Agro processing activities, supported 3,508 beneficences and indirectly influenced over 80,000 beneficences, created over 6,000 jobs and indirectly created over 12,000 jobs.

He explained that CADP has now opened a market information Kiosks (MIKs) known as CADP/CADA MIK at Agege Main Market, Ayetoro Market and Ayeangburen Market in Lagos to offer services to people looking for current and easy access to information on products and prices.

“I urge the farmers to ensure that they contribute their quota to the state as the state government  is prepared to increase the quality of food for the over 21 million. It is a herculean task because lands are used for housing, but the farmers should make proper use of the available land,’ he said.

Also speaking with NaijaAgroNet, a farmer and Media Consultant BridgeWorld Communications, Mr Gboyega Akosile said that the farmers are the real heros of the nation,  while food insecurity is a global crisis and urged the media to “access and disseminate information while acting as a link between the farmers, government, policy makers and donor agencies.”

Akosile said that the media should canvass that the National Assembly legislate that the Federal Government should implement the 10 per cent Africa Union Maputo Declaration that will assist farmers to develop the agricultural sector in the country.

NaijaAgroNet visit to the exhibition stands of the beneficiaries and their products, including Chileo Farms-Packaged Red Ofada rice, Obest Rice, Pedro Farm Limited-Packaged frozen chicken, Timmod Investment Limited- packaged Dry fish, Mts Ofada rice and Jiyo Super Eggs.

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CAADP gets 34th endorsement with Lesotho

NaijaAgroNet:

With the recent signing of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Compact by Lesotho, it has become the 34^th countries on the continent to endorse the deal.

By signing the Compact, Lesotho has committed and joined with a promise to achieve the goal of raising agricultural productivity by six per cent and ensuring that 10 per cent of its budget allocated to agriculture.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the signing ceremony took place in Maseru, penultimate Wednesday with a pledge to increase investment in Lesotho’s agriculture through the principle of CAADP by supporting stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Litsoane Litsoane said the Lesotho CAADP Compact marks an important milestone in the long journey towards the transformation of the agriculture sector.

Lesotho, he said, has now become the sixth country within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to sign a Compact, which is an agreement between Ministries of Agriculture and Finance, non-state actors and the private sector on the priorities and strategy for a country’s agricultural development.

CAADP, endorsed by African Heads of State through the African Union in 2003, aims to stimulate the reforms necessary for agriculture to have a positive impact on socio-economic growth and sustainable development.

NaijaAgroNet learnt that according to Lesotho’s census report, 76 per cent of its households depend on subsistence farming, with only nine per cent of the country’s available land being arable.

The government’s recognition of the importance of prioritising agriculture and food security, therefore, is seen by stakeholders as outlined goal in Lesotho’s vision for the year 2020 and their National Strategic Development Plan.

Equally gathered by NaijaAgroNet was that the CAADP Compact signing event was attended by the Lesotho Prime Minister, Dr. Motsoahae Thabane, later represented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Litsoane Listoane. 

Other stakeholders present included representatives from the African Union Commission, NEPAD Agency, SADC, development partners, the private sector and the National Farmers Union.

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AGRA, Mozambique boost smallholder farmers with maize, sweet potato varieties

NaijaAgroNet:

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is collaborating with the government of Mozambique, to boost small holder farmers with maize, sweet potato varieties through the Umbeluzi Agriculture Research Centre in Maputo.

This was revealed during a field visit by participants at the just ended 2013 African Green Revolution Forum organized by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

NaijaAgroNet recalls that the forum was in collaboration with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of NEPAD with some staff joining in the field visit penultimate Tuesday, September 3, 2013.

Also gathered by NaijaAgroNet was that the maize and sweet potato breeding projects centre visited by were projects supported by AGRA at Umbeluzi Agriculture Research Centre.

Leading the participants into the project, Dr Pedro Fato, who has been breeding maize for over 20 years, said that his work at Umbeluzi entails breeding maize that is tolerant to multiple constraints such as down mildew, and pests that are prevalent both in the field and in storage.

Dr Fato equally said that down mildew is especially prevalent in low lying areas in Mozambique, hence the importance of this project in Mozambique that has a high number of areas that often get water logged.

Dr Fato further elucidated that down mildew is carried on through seeds, and the maize breeding project has so far produced twelve maize varieties. 

According to him, the focus of this breeding project is small scale farmers who make up 90 per cent of maize growers in Mozambique, even as the project has so far released five hybrids into the market since 2002.

He stressed the varieties are now producing better yields per hectare as testified by local farmers.

Commenting, AGRA representative, Mr Richard Mwanza, pointed out that AGRA supports programmes in 16 countries across the continent.

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Pix: Mr Richard Mwanza of AGRA

RIFAN tasks Plateau govt to revive agric training centre

 NaijaAgroNet:

The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Plateau State chapter has called on the state government to revive the Shendam Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), in order to boost the agricultural needs of farmers in the zone.

The Association chairman, Mr. Joshua Bitrus, made this known to NaijaAgroNet, in Shendam Local Council Development Area of the State, explaining that the ASTC was set up by the Governor Jonah Jang-led administration was a good incentive for the agricultural sector.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the ASTC in Shendam covers the six local governments in the Southern zone that renders partial or skeletal services.

The RIFAN Chairman appealed to the governor to make it operational so that the farmers could enjoy the excellent programmes and ASTC deliver world class services to farmers in the state in an excellent and affordable rate.

Bitrus applauded the State Government for providing 100 tractors in each of the centres, and noted that the ASTC headquarters in Kassa render services to the northern zone and Mangu take charge of the central zone have been operational for the past three years.

 “Each of the centres has the same and equal equipment; all the offices are equal; there is no partiality of any kind and we thank government for that. But we are appealing that the Shendam centre be commissioned and be made fully operational like others. I have enjoyed the services and I know how good it is because the tractors worked in my farm for over two weeks and I must confess, it was wonderful,” he said.

NaijaAgroNet further gathered that the Federal Government has been assisting farmers with inputs under Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) while the ASTC  will position Plateau  as a state that can produce enough rice to feed the nation.”

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Pix: Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau State

FCT signs MOU for N1.25billion abattoi

Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, in an effort to maintain its status as the nation’s capital, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and lease agreement valued at N1.25 billion with a private investor, Capital Meat Processing Company Nigeria Limited, for the establishment of the ultra-modern Abuja Central Abattoir at Tungan Maje in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the Minister of State for FCT, Mr. Oluyinka Akintunde alongside the Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi signed on behalf of FCT Administration, while Chairman, Capital Meat Processing Company Limited, Umaru Mutallab, and the Chief Executive Officer, Aliyu El-Nafatu, signed for the company.

Akintunde said that the FCT administration decided to embark on the construction of the abattoir by entering into a public-private partnership (PPP) management to ensure that residents of the territory consumed beef in a conducive and hygienic environment.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered that the project has a completion period of 12 months and it is expected to create about 1,000 jobs, which will include professionals like veterinarians, para-veterinarians, livestock officers, butchers, technicians, labourers and drivers, among others.

“When completed, the abattoir will have the capacity of slaughtering 500 heads of cattle and 1,500 sheep and goat per day. In the meat processing and fabrication component, about 40 tonnes of meat would be processed into about 10 number of products, such as sausages, hotdogs, steaks, premium and briskets, among others,” she said.
NaijaAgroNet further gathered that the foreign technical partners of the private investor will transfer meat processing technology to their Nigerian partners, who will be trained in the art of processing, curing, aging, fabrication, storage and packaging of meat.
The Minister explained that the new abattoir would be of international standard and will fulfil all the necessary requirements of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in the setting up of abattoir.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Capital Meat Processing Company Limited, Umaru Mutallab applauded the FCT Administration for its commitment to ensuring that a hygienic environment is provided for meat processing in the territory.

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CADP set to host Agric stakeholders forum

Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

The Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) has perfected plans to host stakeholders in the Agricultural sector in an interactive forum in Lagos.

The state project coordinator, Kehinde Ogunyinka informed NaijaAgroNet that the forum is aimed at showcasing the results and impacts of CADP on small-medium commercial farmers in the State and to attract both local and foreign investors.

Ogunyinka listed some the projects by the Lagos State Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) to include 22.19 km rural roads in 10 locations, provision of transformers, extension lines and accessories and another 12.83 km rural roads that is ongoing in six other farming locations in Lagos State.

He said that CADP has supported 331 commodity interest groups engaged in poultry, rice and aquaculture value chains in the execution of their business plans to the tune of N657.487 million in Lagos State.

NaijaAgroNet gathered that the forum has been scheduled for Wednesday 18, September, 2013 at Johnson Agiri Complex in Oko Oba, Agege in Lagos.

Also, NaijaAgroNet gathered that the forum will attract  over one hundred and forty participants which will include small and medium scale rice, poultry and aquaculture farmers, processors, marketers, financial Institutions, community leaders and Non-governmental Organizations, state policy makers, representatives of the World Bank, members of the House Committee on Agriculture and the media.

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Pix: Gov. Tunde Fashola of Lagos State

Mainstreet Bank commits N10bn to fertiliser distribution

Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

Mainstreet Bank plc has committed N10 billion to the funding of fertiliser distribution through agro dealers in Nigeria to complement the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, NaijaAgroNet reports.

The Managing Director, Mainstreet Bank, Faith Tuedor-Matthews disclosed this to NaijaAgroNet at the 2013 Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) held in Abuja recently, revealing the bank’s successful intervention in the procurement and distribution of fertiliser had impacted about one million real farmers in Nigeria.

She said that her institution was developing a project initiative in partnership with willing state governments to support funding of primary production activities in some key crops, following the success achieved through the federal government’s Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS).

The Mainstreet Bank boss acknowledged that GESS had been supportive of small farmers who are the ultimate drivers of food production and agricultural development in Nigeria.

Commenting on the use of seed production chain to boost the success of GESS, she said that there are four critical steps which all stakeholders should embrace, which includes: the need for greater investment in Research and Development (R&D) in the seeds sector, quality control of the seeds to ensure standards, deliberate branding of the seeds to achieve market differentiation as well as investing greater effort on general awareness.

She canvassed that government, seed companies, farmers and the researchers to work together to improve the quality of hybrid seeds available to farmers and  crops such as rice, sorghum, cassava, cotton, soya beans, and Maize should be provided to the small farmers who have major buyers or Agro processors.

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Nigeria targets 10% global fertilizer market by 2017-Alison Madueke

Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

The development of new fertilizer plants in the country will position Nigeria as the nation targets control of 10 per cent of global fertilizer by 2017, to assist in the drive in all sector of the economy, especially the agricultural sector.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke disclosed to NaijaAgroNet while speaking recently at a plenary session of the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit titled, “Building a World Class Petrochemical and Fertilizer Industry in Nigeria.”

 Alison-Madueke said that the need to get the gas sector to drive growth in all sectors of the economy mostly in agricultural sector necessitated the excision of some key areas of the Gas Master Plan from the Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB) for accelerated implementation under the Gas Revolution Agenda.

The Minister listed some of the proposed fertilizer plants to include the Dangote Petrochemical and Fertilizer Plant to be built at Olokola, Indorama Fertilizer Plant at Eleme, Brass Fertilizer Company at Brass, Nagarjuna Fertilizer Plant at Ogidigben, and another plant by the International Fertilizer Association.
 

Speaking further on the gas policy framework, Alison-Madueke explained that the thrust of the two-pronged policy of gas-to-power and gas-to-industries is to drive linkages between the power and industrial sectors with the agricultural sector serving as a linchpin in the industrial sector on account of its enormous job creation potential and multiplier effect in the economy.

The Managing Director of Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Allen, stated that apart from Notore which is already into fertilizer production, six new companies have approached the Gas Aggregator Company to firm up gas supply arrangements for their fertilizer plants and that talks are at an advanced stage with the companies.

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*pix: Alison-Madueke Minister of Petroleum Resources

Biotop Green oils, Energy Ltd partners Unilorin on Jatropha plant

 Anthony Nwakaegho/NaijaAgroNet

The Biotop Green Oils and Energy Limited are partnering the University of Ilorin to explore fully the commercial potential of the Jatropha plant which is set to turn investors into multi-millionaires.

The partnership is coming on the heels of the just concluded third conference organised by the Jatropha Plantation and Development Maintenance Committee of the University of Ilorin with the theme “Breaking down barriers and advancing into new realms of Jatropha – the humble plant.”

NaijaAgroNet gathered that one of the most remarkable uses of Jatropha is the production of the bio-fuel on commercial scale and also in use to powering generators and stoves for cooking.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Biotop, Olajiga Temitope said the company working hard on the other commercial uses of Jatropha by introducing distributors of bio-fuel in many place and trying to co-opt users of cooking stove as distributors of the product.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the local organising committee of the international conference and a Professor of animal production at the university Moshood Yinka Belewu said that Jatropha seed cake is relatively cheap and can be mixed with energy sources such as maize to compound livestock feeds.

Belewu explained that the juice from the Jatropha leaves can be used in the treatment and prevention of many ailments, while the stem can be cut and used as a chewing stick to cure bleeding gums and smelling mouth.

He disclosed that the university has produced ceiling boards that are better than Asbestos from Jatropha and is currently working in the lab to produce toothpaste from the plant which is capable of turning prospective investors into multi-millionaires.

A Jatropha farmer in Minna, Niger State, Garba Attahiru, said that selling the Jatropha harvests to the processing company has boosted his income appreciably more than the farmers that engage in the cultivation of other crops.

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