FG Empowers Bauchi farmers on Wheat initiative

NaijaAgroNe

Over 400 registered farmers in Bauchi State have received support from the Federal Government of the state to boost their agricultural strength, in its Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), NaijaAgroNet.

Directorin the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, told NaijaAgroNet that the farmers, instead of going to the market to obtain a bag of fertilizer at the rate of N16,600, the government has offered it to them at the rate of N6,150 taking off them the remaining N11,350.

Alhaji Mohammed also said that each of the farmers received bags of fertilizer and enhanced seeds to increase their production.  Stressing this was done in order to bring to life the government hard work to increase the rate of wheat production in the country.

"The Federal Government came out with the wheat value chain initiative to assist farmers with inputs and create market for their produce. This is with a view to boosting productivity and enhancing economic status thereby reducing dependency on importation.” Alhaji Mohammed said.

 

ChidozieAnibueze /GEE/ED, Ops

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Ghana smallholder farmers to benefit from Grameen partnership

NaijaAgroNet

The smallholder farmers in the five regions of Ghana would benefit from the newly launched Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiative by the Grameen Foundation, in collaboration with Farm Radio International and Digital Green, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The project, NaijaAgroNet gathered was established to help disseminate information to farmers in the region and also to render the necessary support they may need to add volume to their productivity and improve nutritional value in their communities which is a way of reducing the causes of food insecurity.

Also, NaijaAgroNet reports that the project involve mobile apps, radio, video, text messaging and voice messages, that will serve as information circulating agent to the farmers, in addition to enabling them have access to every information they need.

Hillary Miller-Wise, who oversees the Grameen Foundation’s portfolio across sub-Saharan Africa, said, “We are focused on increasing food security for smallholder farmers in Ghana using a number of different channels to reach farmers with vital information that they need in order to drive productivity and ultimately increase income.”

ChidozieAnibueze /GEE/ED, Ops

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FAO set to change form of agriculture

NaijaAgroNet

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has taken up the challenge to change the mode of agriculture in the 21^st century, NaijaAgroNet can now report.

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva said at the International Forum on Agriculture and Climate Change programme organized by the French Government at the French Capital, said that the form in which Agricultural activities are being carried out in the 21^st Century is not suitable in the fight against food security challenges.

NaijaAgroNet reports the DG also noted even though the amount of unremittingly hungry individuals has been reduced by 100 million in the past decade, 805 million are still living with hunger challenges on usual bases notwithstanding the fact that world still produces enough food to feed the everybody.

"Since food production is not a sufficient condition for food security, it means that the way we are producing is no longer acceptable, what we are still mostly seeing is a model of production that cannot prevent the degradation of soils and the loss of biodiversity - both of which are essential goods, especially for future generations. This model must be reviewed. We need a paradigm shift. Food systems need to be more sustainable, inclusive and resilient,"da Silva said.

"Climate-smart agriculture" is the new approach to agriculture said José Graziano da Silva who also noted that agriculture has a vital role to play not just in food productivity but also in Climate change.

ChidozieAnibueze /GEE/ED, Ops

 

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16,600 children lost parents to Ebola in West Africa - UNICEF

+Naija AgroNet:

The United Nations United Nations Children's Fund has revealed that no fewer than 16,600 children have been registered as having lost one or both parents or primary healthcare-givers to Ebola in three countries within the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), reports NaijaAgroNet.

The affected countries, UNICEF confirmed to NaijaAgroNet include Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

According to the UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mr Manuel Fontaine in New York penultimate Friday, said less than three per cent of this population has had to be placed outside family or community care.

“Since overcoming their initial fears and misconceptions about Ebola virus, families have been showing incredible support, providing care and protection for children whose parents have died. This shows the strength of kinship ties and the extraordinary resilience of communities at a time of great hardship,’’ he said.

UNICEF said as of mid-January, nearly 3,600 children had lost both parents to Ebola virus in the three countries, while 16,600 were registered as having lost one or both parents.

NaijaAgroNet also gathered from the regional director that the disease affected primary healthcare-givers.

He pointed out that UNICEF was helping to identify children without parents or caregivers with the view to providing immediate care and protection to them.

In Guinea, he said for example that UNICEF gathered that all 773 children who lost both parents have been placed with their extended families.

@IsaacOyimah with additional report byNews Agency of Nigeria   +Naija AgroNet @unicef

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Expert cautions on prevention of lead poisoning

NaijaAgroNet:

Nigerian environmentalist, Aisha Okunade, has called for more supervision by regulatory agencies in the production process of consumable products in the country to prevent lead poisoning.

Okunade, who is the Head of Department of Environmental Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, said in Kaduna recently that it was essential for government to adopt “precautionary preventive policies to ensure lead-safe environment''.

The environmentalist also called for sustained enlightenment campaign to educate Nigerians on necessary measures to avoid lead poisoning.

She said the dangers of lead poisoning have not received the desired attention as a public health issue in the country.

“I believe that no exposure level is safe. Adults exposed to lead are at greater risk of high blood pressure, kidney problems and nerve damage.

“In pregnant women, lead poisoning increases the risk of miscarriage while men may suffer infertility,” she said.

Okunade said people should always eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly and avoid cigarette smoke, to prevent lead poisoning.

She said people must be careful in how they dispose of naturally occurring metals in products, such as batteries, toys, jewelry, imported makeup and paints.

“Refuse needs to be disposed properly to avoid it getting into the ground to contaminate water,'' she added.

The expert advised regulatory agencies to ensure that consumables are tested every day to ensure their safety as healthy products.
NAN
 

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