Abia state on Tuesday revealed that it has received the N1billion Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Enyinnaya Appolos, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Uzo Azubuike, and his finance counterpart, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, confirmed receipt of the loan by the state.

The loan is an intervention to ensure farmers in the state engage in all season farming. Appolos, in the statement stressed that the facility is a single-digit loan of seven per cent interest with moratorium period of six months.
He also added that the State Governor, Dr. OkezieIkpeazu, has setup a committee saddled with the responsibility of mapping out modalities for the disbursement of the fund to deserving beneficiaries, stressing that the fund will not be used for political patronage.

“Abia State Government has received the N1billion Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme loan from the CBN. The loan is an intervention in local agriculture to ensure farmers in the state engage in all season farming. The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Azubuike,” the statement explained

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/06/abia-state-receives-n1bn-cbn-agric-loan/

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The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, yesterday confirmed the outbreak of a fresh pest attack on the maize crop, particularly in the South-west and Edo State by a disease identified as ‘Armyworm’ which causes wanton destruction to maize farmlands.

The pest which is known to occur usually in May and early June consumes leaf tissue of corn.

However, the minister was quick to add that the pest invasion appeared to have declined since its outbreak following efforts by the ministry in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions to hunger, malnutrition, and poverty as well as enhancing crop quality and their commercial viability and productivity.

He added, however, that the outbreak was being closely monitored.

Also providing update on the recent outbreak of the pest, Tuta absoluta, commonly referred to as ‘Tomato Ebola,’ which had ravaged tomato farmlands and shot up the market price of the produce, the minister said it still relied on international solution to fight the invasion, adding that the local remedy proffered by the Ministry and Science and Technology appeared to be defective following revelation that a major component of the solution-the Neem Tree, popularly known as Dogonyaro had the capacity to harm the bees which pollinate the tomato plant.

It further emerged yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari may approve a proposal to introduce a single digit credit facility for livestock and other farming activities across the country.

However, the minister said the treatment involving the use of Dogonyaro, which is no longer fashionable globally, was not even sufficient to cover up to 1,000 hectares of land, adding that the local remedy could even harm human beings and cause stunted growth on tomatoes.

He said: “What they have may not be totally suitable and may have negative effect on the tomatoes they seek to protect.”

Nevertheless, Ogbeh said government would continue to work with local scientists towards addressing the problem as it currently looks overseas for solace.

Meanwhile, the minister also disclosed that 11 states of the federation had altogether made voluntary donations of 55,000 hectares of land-each contributing 5,000 hectares, for grazing activities across the country.

According to Ogbeh, the states include Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Katsina, Taraba, Niger, Adamawa, Jigawa, Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking in Abuja at a media briefing on the forthcoming retreat on livestock and dairy development in Nigeria, which is being organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Africa Business Roundtable, he said the federal government was committed to resolving the issues associated with the activities of herdsmen, adding that it also formed one of the cardinal objectives of his ministry.

He, further clarified that the much-talked about grazing bill which is before the National Assembly had no input from the ministry while its content may have been exaggerated by social commentators.

Nonetheless, The minister dismissed suggestions that the grazing bill could allow for land grabbing or outright seizure by government for the purpose of grazing against the wish of their owners as well as bolster moves to Islamise the country.

He said government’s current concern was to first, douse the tension on herdsmen activities and subsequently come up with a plan that would standardise the grazing profession in the country.

Ogbe said preliminary investigations into the clashes involving herdsmen revealed community leaders were often times complicit as they collect cash and cows from the herdsmen and give approvals to allow them carry out grazing activities in respective communities.

He added that so far, most of the findings further revealed the attacks were carried out by foreign herdsmen who wandered into the country, as most of them could not speak any Nigerian language.

According to him, by time the grazing practice is stabilised in the country, government may need to pass a law which will restrict foreign cattle rearers from roaming the country, adding that the problem goes beyond the shores of this country as other countries faced similar issues.

On the planned retreat to reposition the livestock and dairy business in the country, the minister said the country’s impressive livestock population had not bridged the gap between expected and actual animal protein intake and had not contributed meaningfully to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the years.

He said the way forward was to intensify efforts at adding value to the industry along the respective value chains.

Ogbeh said in order to attain self-sufficiency in animal protein provision in the short run, and create jobs for millions of youths in the livestock sector, the present administration has mapped out initiatives to correct perceived anomalies.

These, according to him, include the establishment of ranches to be planted with high improved tropical grass and legume species; provision of irrigation for all year commercial fodder production to enhance settlement of pastoralists as well as cattle, sheep and goat improvement through an expanded breeding programme that will be aggressively pursued, using artificial insemination.

Meanwhile, the institute’s Public Relations Officer, Bala Aliyu, disclosed this yesterday, saying the end had come for the disease, which have subjected Nigerians to undue hardship in the last two months.

He said the institute worked extensively to provide a solution to the pest, also known as tomato ebola.

“This vaccine has been found to be very effective after undergoing various scientific testing,” he said.

Aliyu said NARICT was partnering with regulatory agencies to certify the vaccine for onward use by farmers in Nigeria and the world at large.

According to The Cable, Aliyu said all things being equal, the vaccine would be launched soon, adding that it was the responsibility of the federal government to ensure the vaccine gets the end-users, farmers.

“We will work with the state and federal government agencies to carry diffuse this important development to our teeming farmers in the country and beyond,” Aliyu added.
Tuta absoluta is a specie of moth in family Gelechiidae known by the common names tomato leafminer and South American tomato moth.

It is well known as a serious pest of tomato crops in Europe and South America.
The federal government had engaged experts to find solution to the spread of the pest, which has ravaged six states across the country.

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/06/fg-confirms-fresh-pest-attack-on-maize-vows-to-resolve-grazing-malaise/

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The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, yesterday told the Senate Committee on Agriculture that the health of many Nigerians is threatened by the daily consumption of items such as pure water and smuggled frozen chicken which he said contained poison that is detrimental to their health.

Ogbeh who made this disclosure at a one-day public hearing in National Assembly on bills bothering on food security by the committee, said the consumption of poison from some food items everyday arose from wrong habit of processing and preserving such items.

The bills are Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service Bill 2016, Food Security Bill 2016 and Nigerian Institute of Soil Science Bill 2016

He cited the example of the preparation of food called “moinmoin” in cellophane, otherwise known as nylon, as poisonous because nylon contains a large dosage of dioxins which he said are naturally inactive in leaves when used to package such food.

According to him, the consumption of sachet water commonly known as pure water usually exposed to sun at over 28 degree centigrade, is poisonous and thus resulting in many cases of kidney and liver failure among Nigerians.

Ogbeh also said but for the attitude of over boiling meat by many Nigerians, many of them would have been infected by tuberculosis from consumption of cow meat. “Many of the cows being moved from one place to the other by herdsmen are already infected with tuberculosis but our practice of boiling meat very well here has been the saving grace from people being infected with the deadly disease,” he said.

The minister added that frozen chicken preserved with formalin which he said was also used for the preservation of corpses and commonly consumed by Nigerians had been the reason many experience serious health challenges in the land.

He also cited the instance of beans and grains preservation with over dosage of pesticides by farmers and sellers as another dangerous food poison which he said had killed many Nigerians and still killing a number of unsuspecting buyers and consumers.

He further disclosed that wrong application of fertilizer by farmers on their farmland, had also led to poisonous consumption of affected food items. “Unknowingly to many of the farmers, there is specific fertilizer for specific crops in specific state in line with soil texture,” he explained.

He, however, commended the committee for working on the bills, pointing out that they would help to guarantee food security in the country and simultaneously curb the production and preparation of poisonous foods, noting that the “rejection of Nigerian farm produce abroad is embarrassing.”

Ogbe assured Nigerians that the prevalent farmers-herdsmen clashes would soon fizzle out as the government is striving to come up with acceptable policy on grazing reserves.

While declaring the event open, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the need for food security in the country and vibrant agricultural sector for the needed diversification of the economy was the underlying factor behind the introduction of the bills.

He appealed to herdsmen and farmers across the country to maintain peace, pledging that the National Assembly was ready to proffer a lasting solution to the perennial clashes over grazing by cattle.

Also speaking when a group of herdsmen from Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association in Jigawa State visited him, Saraki who described the perennial clashes between the farmers and herdsmen as unfortunate, appealed to the herdsmen to maintain peace at all times.

“The National Assembly and all stakeholders have been meeting on how to ensure that there is permanent peace between the two major groups in the nation’s agricultural system,”he said.

He expressed concern over the frequent clashes between the two groups in recent times, explaining that Nigeria is not the only country where farmers and herdsmen co-exist.

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/06/pure-water-frozen-chicken-fertilizer-applications-killing-nigerians/

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A Soil Scientists, Prof. Lateef Taiwo and his team at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, have detected Armyworms devastating maize farms around South-West ecology.

Taiwo made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He said the Armyworm was part of the order of Lepidoptera, the larval life stage of a fall Armyworm moth, adding that it can wreak havoc to crops if left to multiply.

“Its name is derived from its feeding habits, they strongly prefer grasses, cereals like maize, it can mercilessly eat the stem of the crop as well as the leaves,’’ he said.

The scientist advised farmers to maintain farm hygiene and use improved varieties of vegetables resistant to the diseases.

“Some of the improved seeds of vegetables can be obtained from National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), while improved varieties of maize can be obtained from IAR&T, Ibadan as both have mandate on the crops.

“Farmers can also use control measures like chemical, biological control, use of botanicals that is the use of plant extracts; chemical control is not environment friendly though effective.

“Therefore, advice should be sought when such chemicals are being used, biological control is also effective; presently, my team is working on biological control measures using some microorganisms,’’ he said.

Taiwo urged farmers to always contact the institutes for advice that will be given to them based on the information supplied by the farmers.

He said the use of biological insecticides was also effective, adding that some microorganisms could kill the insects especially during their developmental stages.

“These microorganisms are secret poisons that impair or kill the insects, the insecticides are not something you buy in market, so farmers should consult ADP’s or research institutes,” he said.

He further explained that when a plant is resistant to disease attack, it has the capacity to resist and tolerate attacks from whatever agent.
“And such plants don’t show any symptom even if the disease agent succeeds in attacking them,’’ Taiwo said

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/06/scientists-detect-pest-disease-on-maize/

The Kwara State Government has applauded the efforts of BUA towards ending sugar importation by investing $300m in sugar production in Lafiaji, Kwara State.

A statement from the firm quoted the Governor, Kwara State, Mr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, as saying that the investment was capable of creating 6000 direct and 19,000 indirect jobs.

He said, “I want to commend the management of BUA group for its recent investment in Lafiaji Sugar Company which will produce about 1.5 metric tons per annum as well as employ about 6000 people directly and another 19000 indirectly.

“This investment will significantly reduce youth unemployment in this area and bring more prosperity to the state. We pledge to continue to provide a conducive environment to support local and foreign investment in the state.”

Citing data from the United States Department of Agriculture, the governor noted that Nigeria’s raw sugar import in 2015 was estimated to be about 1.345 MT/PA adding that the figure was expected to rise to about 1.7MT/PA.

He said, “There is absence of competitive alternatives to meet the demand for local consumption in sugar. This is rather worrisome considering the fact that Nigeria is endowed with the manpower, raw materials and excellent climatic condition to produce enough sugar to meet local demand and of course export.”

The statement also quoted the Executive Director, BUA Group, Mr. Kabiru Rabiu, as saying that the firm was making a total investment of over $300m in the sugar company which would cover the sugar mill, its refinery, the ethanol and power plant as well as the agricultural aspects of the project.

He added that the plant would produce over 140,000 tons of pure refined white sugar, 25 million litres of ethanol and generate over 35 megawatts of electricity.

He said, “Our planned 500-hectare nursery development is unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian sugar industry. We intend to break yet another record by replanting over 3000 hectares of land in 2017.”

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/05/bua-group-300m-investment-in-sugar-plantation-lauded-by-kwara-state-government/

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The Ebonyi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Dicon Salt Plc for large scale production and processing of cassava in the state.

The ceremony, which took place in Abakaliki had in attendance, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Benard Odoh, who signed on behalf of the state; the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu and the Managing Director of Union Dicon Salt, Mr. Chuka Mordi, who signed for his company.

The agreement to engage in cassava cultivation and processing in commercial quantity is another bold initiative by the Governor David Umahi-led government to mechanise the agricultural sector and propel the much needed economic diversification in the state.

Under the agreement, Ebonyi State Government will contribute 15 hectares of land spread across the state for the Union Dicon Salt to grow cassava and establish a factory where cassava products would be processed into raw materials for export and domestic use.
Umahi, who was represented at the ceremony by Odoh, expressed optimism that the partnership would open up a new vista of opportunities for investments in the state, create jobs and bring about economic prosperity for the people.

The governor explained that the volume of raw materials from cassava from the factory would create a large market for the products and support brewery companies in brewing.
Umahi encouraged the company to hasten action and complete documentation with the state to enable it start off the agricultural project.
Nwankwegu, who gave an insight into the terms of the agreement, noted that apart from the 15 hectares of land to be provided, no financial commitment was required from the state government for the agro business.

He however explained that owners of the land would be entitled to five per cent benefit from the project yield and the state government, 10 per cent.
The commissioner expressed delight that the agro investment was coming at a time when the state was in the process of revolutionalising the agricultural sector as an alternative to solving its economic problems.

On his part, Mordi, said his company was willing to invest in the state to take subsistence agriculture to industrial level.
According to him, Union Dicon would engage in growing cassava in commercial quantity and processing it into various products like sweeteners and industrial starch for export.
He stated that his company’s target was to contribute to the industrialisation of the state and reduce the importation of industrial starch and other products.

Mordi expressed the regret that in spite of the fact that Nigeria is one of the world’s largest producers of cassava, it still imports over 200,000 tons of industrial starch and sweeteners yearly. The agricultural project is expected to commence within the next quarter of this year.

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/05/ebonyi-state-govt-union-dicon-sign-pact-on-cassava-cultivation-and-processing/

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The Federal Government has banned wood and charcoal exportation, following exporters’ refusal to adhere to the directive of cut-one plant-two policy.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, disclosed this at the just-concluded two-day retreat organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, at the Free Trade Zone, Onne, Rivers State, for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and its agencies.

Awolowo told Vanguard that the new directive had thrown exporters of charcoal into confusion as some of them had existing agreements with their partners abroad.

He said government must explain the reason for the move, adding “I just got that circular; this is part of the policy somersault we are talking about. “How can the government ban charcoal when people have been processing it? They did not even carry exporters along.”

Also confirming the development, Customs Public Relations Officer of Tin Can Island Port, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, said they were aware of the ban, adding that they were, however, waiting for the memorandum.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Giovani Locano, General Manager, China Shipping, told Vanguard that he was not aware of the fact that charcoal had been banned.

Although, Locano supported the decision of government to ban wood and charcoal exportation, he called for a more proactive approach so that peoples’ businesses are not affected.

Osunkwo explained that wood and charcoal were banned because the exporters of these items failed to meet up with the agreement they had with the government on tree planting.


Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/05/fg-bans-wood-charcoal-exportation/

Medical experts believe that eating imported frozen poultry products can be a silent killer, as its negative effects does not present symptoms, sometimes, even for prolonged periods.

The experts explain that such food, has formalin, a chemical used to embalm corpse and other dangerous substances that increase chances of having terminal diseases.

According to their findings, about 50 million Nigerians eat imported chicken, turkey and fishes almost on a daily basis, adding that this was not a good news for the country and its ailing economy.

Imported poultry products are poisonous
Medical experts have noted that these imported products are poisonous because smugglers use formalin, to preserve and keep them fresh from neighboring countries till it gets to Nigeria. Formalin is a cancer causing chemical capable of initiating liver and kidney diseases.

A Veterinary Doctor, Tito Adebanjo, explained that the hazards caused by imported frozen foods to public health cannot be over emphasized, since some of the chemicals used in the preservation of the animals could form residues in humans and eventually result in public health hazards.

“There is little or no mechanism at our sea ports to screen or detect the residues of chemicals used in frozen meat being imported to Nigeria, yet the foods find their way to our markets for consumption. Even the ones produced locally, no one really tests them, let alone find out the level of drug residues in them before they are sold to unwary members of the public,” he stated.

He explained that the chemicals can be divided into two: those added to animals’ feeds or injected in them and the preservatives used on the animals’ meat after they are slaughtered. “Some of these chemicals can predispose one to cancer or cause hypersensitive reactions and antibiotic resistance in man. The relentless drive to produce more animals, by some farmers – either abroad or locally – in less time at lower cost, is responsible for the routine and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs in animal, including arsenicals, antibiotics, and other compounds.

“The concern, therefore, beside the effects on the livestock industry, is the fact that many analogues of these antibiotics are used in disease management in humans and could consequently add to the development of cross-resistance to antimicrobials administered in human health.

“Though the fact that the public may not be aware of the magnitude of the health hazards resulting from consuming meat containing drug residue, does not imply the adverse effects should not be of serious concern. What often happens is that the chemicals used in the preservation of these foods build up and serve as free agents in the body. Besides, they subsequently break the body down through one disease or another.

“Many a time, drug withdrawal periods are not observed or there is over-dosage or under-dosage of these chemicals when used by quacks. The drugs, therefore, accumulate in the meat obtained from such animals. Possible bioaccumulation occurs when these residues present in the animal tissues accumulate continuously over the lifespan of the individuals through prolonged consumption. This is of potential concern in Nigeria where meat animals constitute major source of animal protein,” the veterinary doctor, who specialises in food hygiene, food safety and zoonoses, added.

Imported poultry products has high level of bacteria
The Poultry Association of Nigeria also kicks. The group, through its President, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, urged the Federal Government to curb the menace, adding that the smuggled chicken is responsible for several health issues experienced in the country, due to the presence of high level of bacteria in the chicken coupled with high toxic chemical that are used to preserve it just to ensure it gets to the market at cheaper rate.

Similarly, former Chairman, Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State, Mr. John Olateru explained that when the cold chain is broken, the nutrient drastically reduced. “That is why they use the chemical used in preserving corpses to preserve the frozen chicken. In spite of this, you see some of the chicken already decomposed and our people still buy them. Our people don’t know the implication of this.

“Many even see it as a way to show off or prove that their economic status has improved, hence the need to abandon fish, the food of the poor, for imported turkey and chicken. You would feel ashamed for the ignorance of our people at social functions, as they eat these foods to their peril. Locally produced turkeys or chickens are fresh; no preservatives are used. They are only refrigerated and kept in good sanitary conditions, because it is expected that within two or three days they would have been bought and consumed,” he said.

If demands increase, operators will be encouraged
An investment analyst, Mr. John Ayodele, explained that the fact that the foods were smuggled and massively consumed indicates that there was a wide gap in the local market that needs to be bridged.

According to him, that gap is not as a result of inefficiencies of poultry owners but due to lack of patronage on the part of the consumers. “Operators have invested in slaughtering and de-feathering machinery, packaging and storage facilities as well as marketing strategies to convince Nigerians to patronise their safer and more nutritious products.

“This is a viable money making idea for Nigerians, especially the ones in diaspora seeking viable businesses to set up in Nigeria. Home based Nigerians looking for what to do in retirement can also consider this business. The unemployed Nigerian graduate, who can put on his thinking cap, can also set up in this business, starting small,” he said.

Ayodele added that Nigeria has no business importing frozen poultry, which can easily be produced at home to provide employment and create wealth for her citizens. “If patronized, operators can reduce the unemployment rate by over two million in one month and that will just be the beginning in Nigeria,” he added.

Also, an economist, Dr. Olusola Owoeye, explained that Nigerian consumption was put at 1.5 million tonnes, while production was estimated to be about 350,000 million tones, leaving a demand and supply gap of 1.2million tones, which is met through smuggling.

He stated that to fully utilise the balance of the industry’s installed capacity of additional 350,000 million tones will translate to significant benefits through more job creations in form of 350,000 new jobs in maize production, 75,000 new jobs in processing and 500,000 new jobs in ancillary raw materials, products and services.

“Reducing smuggling by just 30 percent would result in the creation of about one million jobs. The future of the Nigerian poultry industry hinges delicately on firm decisions on the part of the policy makers to reverse the current unwholesome trends that tend to tilt the balance more in favour of smugglers while putting the local producers in jeopardy. The investments of local producers need urgent safeguard and support that would enable them to remain competitive in the face of smugglers onslaught,” he warned.

Written by; Martins Ifijeh.

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/05/imported-frozen-poultry-product-as-a-silent-killer/

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The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is to assist 12, 500 farmers in Ebonyi with agricultural interventions worth N500 million under its Value Chain Development Programme.

The IFAD Programme Coordinator in Ebonyi, Mr Sunday Ituma, made the disclosure in Abakaliki on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, 2,500 farmers drawn from five local government areas of Izzi, Ikwo, Ishiellu, Afikpo South and Ohaozara will benefit from the programme which is in its pilot stage.

“The farmers will be given farm inputs, such as seedlings, land preparation, fertilisers and agro-chemical, all at 50 per cent subsidy.

“The objective is to complement the state government’s efforts in achieving massive rice production to meet both internal and external needs.

“We are currently embarking on profiling of benefiting farmers to ensure that the interventions are equitably distributed,” he said.

The coordinator said that IFAD had commenced construction of access roads in the five benefiting local government areas at the cost of over N400million.

“We have concluded the design and other requirements of the project, as the contract would be awarded soon.

“We are developing over 200 hectares of land at Ezillo farm under mechanised agriculture.

“The consultants appointed by our headquarters have finalised and submitted their reports,” he said.

He said that the consultants were also working to inaugurate three rice processing centres with a model centre at the Abakaliki Rice Mill.

“This is intended to make the millers change from old rice processing methods to improved and more efficient ones.

“This will ensure that the quality of rice processed at the mills compete favourably with those in the international market and make the state the home of rice production in the country,” he said. (NAN)


Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/04/ifad-to-assist-12500-ebonyi-farmers-with-n500m/

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Agriculture and Agric – Processing is one of the identified 10 key sectors/industries that have been presented to investors by the Enugu state government at the ongoing Enugu state International Investment Summit, 2016, holding from the 12th to 14th April, 2016.

Agribusiness players and investors have been presented with opportunity to explore options at developing the Agric sector in the state through Public Private Partnerships, as well as privatisation and commercialization of government Agriculture enterprises in the state.

The agribusiness plenary was the first investment plenary and session to hold among other numerous investment sessions and discussions to be held in the summit.

This was not a matter of coincidence but however a clear signal to the huge importance attached to the development of agriculture and agribusiness in the state by the state government and to highlight its overall importance in the overall investment drive and objectives of the state government for Enugu state.

The agribusiness plenary which was held under the theme; Agribusiness as a Viable Business Platform, had in attendance international investors, agribusiness players, exporters and agric players from within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Speakers at the Agribusiness plenary include; Mrs Ndidi Nwuneli, Co – Founder, AACE Foods & Founder LEAP, Nigeria. Mrs. Mosunmola Umoru, Founder, Farmshoppe & SA to Min. of Agriculture. Mrs Yinka Fayomi, Director, Executive Secretary’s office, NIPC. Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, CEO, Saro Agro Allied Ltd, represented, who was represented at the event by Moses Mordi, the company’s head of project development.

Enugu state government is seeking to commercialize agriculture in the state as part of its development plan for Agriculture.

The major crops that are viable in the state and which offers potentials for investment and commercialization include; Oil Palm, Rice, Cassava, Cashew, Vegetable and fruits, livestock production.

Investors are welcome to invest in cassava value chain in the state, with over 80,000 ha of arable land available for cassava plantation.

Under Oil palm, the Enugu state government is offering prospective investors the opportunity to invest in existing oil palm plantations in the state. Opportunities also exist for leasing of moribund oil palm plantations to prospective investors under a public private partnership arrangement.

Over 80,000 ha of oil palm plantations and oil palm estates are available for investment; resuscitation, lease and outright purchase to prospective investors.



In the rice value chain, prospective investors are invited by the Enugu state government to invest in irrigated rice production in 16 no proposed irrigation schemes in different rice producing areas and locations in the state, with a potential and available land of over 67,143 ha of arable land.

Enugu state is the home of cashew in Nigeria and produces one of the best cashew of export value in Nigeria.

The state government has moribund cashew plantations at different locations in the state, covering over 2000 ha of land.

New cashew plantations covering over 600,000 ha are also been proposed for investments in six LGAs of the state in partnership with the World Bank Commercial Agriculture Development Project. Prospective investors are therefore invited to take advantage of these potentials available in the state.

Under vegetables and fruits, the state is already harnessing its numerous potentials under this sector and has also demonstrated its willingness to partner with the private sector especially in developing the fruits and vegetable sector in the state. One of such partnerships is the San Carlos Farms in Enugu state.

The Enugu state government signed an MOU, with San Carlos Group of Mexico for the cultivation, production and export of pineapples in Enugu state under a public private partnership (PPP) investment framework.

The joint venture company is to develop 1,000 ha of irrigated MD2 pineapple at a total cost of $300m. Over 300ha of pineapples have so far been developed and planted.

The state government is looking for more of such investments in the state under the fruits and vegetables agro sector. Also over 4000ha of land are available for banana production in the state with excellent soil and fresh water for irrigated banana production in the state.

Poultry industry in the state is growing in leaps and bounds and the state is now the 4th largest producers of poultry and poultry bye-products in Nigeria.

Two modern hatcheries exist in Enugu state with a combined capacity of 360,000 DOCs per months.

More investments are been sought for in the poultry value chain by the state government so as to make Enugu state one of the highest poultry producers in Nigeria.

Investments are required in fish farm estates, in 17 LGAs of the state under PPP platform. The state has 14 water reservoirs and 50 lakes for development of fisheries potential. Investors are required for the full development of fisheries and aquaculture value chain potentials in the state.


Potentials for investment in Animal production in Enugu state exist at the Federal Government Cattle Ranch at Adada covering an area of 846ha of land. Investors can partner with FG/State government to lease this facility under a Public Private Partnership.

Also there exist a federal government piggery breeding and progeny project at Okpuje covering an area of 26ha with considerable infrastructural facilities. Investors are invited to explore leasing opportunities for this facility for piggery production under PPP platform.

Enugu na aga niru (Enugu is progressing). Come invest in agriculture in Enugu state.


Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/04/enugu-state-govt-pledges-land-to-prospective-investors-in-agriculture/

The much awaited Enugu state international investment summit 2016 has finally commenced.

The summit is tagged “Oganiru”, meaning progress. The three days international investment summit with the theme; Beyond oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development, was declared open by the Enugu state Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Declaring the investment summit open, the state Governor said in his welcome address that “Enugu State is open and ready for business” calling on prospective investors to leverage on the conducive environment, security and infrastructure in Enugu state and tap into the numerous investment opportunities present in the state.

In his welcome address the Governor remarked “Oganiru is expected to be a bi annual event and it is a bold initiative towards realizing our collective dream of repositioning Enugu state to meet the economic challenges of the 21st century. This first edition of the summit is specifically designed to showcase the enormous economic potentials of the state to both local and foreign investors”.

Speaking further, the director general of Oganiru, Mr. Ike Chioke, said that “It is time Enugu state looked beyond oil and looked inwards to explore and exploit the massive and enormous economic potentials that the state offers.

The Chairman of UBA, and Chairman Heirs Holdings, Dr. Tony Elumelu, who gave the keynote address at the event, said it was about time the South –East and not just Enugu state took a regional integration approach to South – East development.

Dr Tony Elumelu tasked the Enugu state Governor to write his name in the sands of time, by ensuring that the summit goes beyond the usual paper discussions and speeches to the actual task of implementation and actions that will convince prospective investors that indeed the state is ready for business. He gave assurance that Heirs holding, Tony Elumelu Foundation and the companies in which he have substantive interests are ready to invest in Enugu state.

Furthermore, the Deputy Senate President; Senator Ike Ekweremadu gave investors assurance on behalf of the legislature in Enugu state, that laws and legislations would be made to ensure that investments made in the state are sustainable and secure.

Other speakers at the event include, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, ably represented at the event. Dr. Paschal Dozie, Chairman of MTN Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc, Prof Barth Nnaji, former minister of Power. Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, founder LEAP – Nigeria and co-founder, AACE foods.

Others billed to speak include; Mr Wang Yijung, Global President, Yuanda Financial Investment Group. Mr Ikechi Uko, Founder Akwaaba. Prof Osita Ogbu, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman, Innoson Motors, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman Zinox, Dr. Alex Otti, Former GMDM Diamond Bank Plc. Chief Sam Onyishi, Chairman Peace Mass Transit Ltd and a host of others.

The event which is still ongoing had in attendance, investors, members of the diplomatic corp, captains of industries, technocrats, politicians from the state and around the south East, traditional rulers, local and international media, faith based organizations.

Among the attendants also include, immediate former Governor of the State, Barrister Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, Former Governor of Old Anambra state; Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and his wife, The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Senator Gil Nnaji, Senator Chuka Utazi and a host of others.

The three days event will be concluded on 14th April, 2016.

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/04/enugu-state-investment-summit-kicks-off/

Gov Aminu Tambuwal signs Agric contract in China

Sokoto government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Henan Province of China for the establishment a demonstration farm and boosting of agriculture in the state.

With this agreement, Sokoto has become one of the beneficiaries of the 100 agricultural projects to be sited in developing countries which was announced by the Chinese President, Ji Xinping during the South-South Cooperation meeting held in September 2015.

The deal will see to the application of new technology for cultivation of crops such as corn, wheat, tomatoes and onions.

A statement issued from China by the spokesman of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Malam Imam Imam, said the agreement also provides room for experts from Sokoto and HenanProvince to carry out joint analyses and studies of climatic conditions, soil moisture status, crop cultivation techniques and plant protection and quarantine

It will also promote lease investment and promotion of agricultural machinery between the two entities.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, Governor Tambuwal said as the largest producer of food and agric machinery in China, Henan Provice has a lot to offer Sokoto.

“They have some of the best agricultural machinery industries in the world. From simple ones to the complicated. Having gone round the factories and demonstration farms, we will choose the best one for our state.

“Signing this agreement today has given our decision to embrace mechanised agriculture a huge boost. We will quickly work to set up a joint working group to ensure its implementation,” the Governor added.

While the state commissioner of agriculture, Umar nagwari signed on behalf of Sokoto government, King Xue, the General manager of Henan Holding Industries signed on behalf of the Chinese.

Source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/04/gov-aminu-tambuwal-signs-agric-contract-in-china/

There is no doubt that in Nigeria today, there is a growing interest and enthusiasm particularly among youths to go into agriculture and agribusiness.

Unlike what had been obtainable in the past, where most youths do not see agriculture as a veritable means of income generation and with the long indoctrinated myth that farmers are poor, dirty, rural dwellers and an agriculture not seen as a means to sustainable income generation and wealth creation. Today youths in Nigeria are embracing Agriculture with a much redefined knowledge, passion and enthusiasm.

Every day, I come across a teaming number of youths and young people who want to go into agriculture and are ready to embrace agriculture and agribusiness as a life career and means to wealth creation.

In my interaction with most of the youths, one question has always stood out among their numerous questions and obviously perceived limitation to the realization of their agribusiness dreams. This question and reoccurring decimal has always been the issue of finance and funding.

How do I get funds to go into agriculture?

I don’t have money!

I am looking for grants!

How can the government fund my agribusiness dreams?

Do you know how I can obtain loan from x,y,z bank to establish my farm?

I don’t have collateral!

Well, the above statements summarize most of the funding and finance questions on the lips of youths today. Very likely these could be the questions also in your mind right now. For every one already in agriculture, chances are that in one way or the other, at one point or the other, that you also asked these questions.

More so, one thing always stands sure in the mind of most of the youths who ask these questions. It is that fact that as far as they are concerned, the only mountain standing on their way to zillion riches in agribusiness and agriculture is lack of funding and finance.

To most of them, it is not experience; neither could it be right education and knowledge of their adopted agribusiness field. It could also never be lack or insufficient financial and investment skills. Well, to them it could also not be about not having proper and well researched market information. It is simply funding; lack of funding, no money!

Well, I beg to differ. Yes, funding is a critical challenge to youth empowerment through agriculture. But it is just one of the problems. It is not the strongest barrier. It is not the first demon that needs to be casted out on your way to realizing your agribusiness dreams.

Let’s look at a real life example. Chidera is a young graduate of Engineering, from one of the tertiary institutions. He has just finished his NYSC. Just three months ago. He walks into my office, seeking for how to obtain funding to go into cashew nut trading and business. He explains to me how much of a guru he is in cashew and how the only thing standing in his way is funds.

Well, as luck may have, I had a friend who just got back from the states and wanted to also invest about $10,000, in agribusiness and have me manage it. He also happened to be around when Chidera got in. He was so moved by the young man’s zeal that he said I should consider working with him.

I turned to him and said ok. Your lucky day has come. So I demanded if I could have his business plan. Business plan? Business plan? Yes … business plan I retorted. Your business plan for the cashew business. He replied that he had none and actually do not know how to come up with one on the immediate. He said he had also never written one before.

I got more interested, so I asked what’s the plan. Who are we selling the cashew nuts to? “Buyers are everywhere” he replied. “Indians are all over Lagos now, waiting and looking for suppliers” he reaffirmed. I said where in Lagos; “everywhere in Lagos, at the port everywhere” he replied. “Infact we can even export immediately” he continued. I said ok. But do you have an export license? “Not yet” he said. “That’s not a problem, once there is fund, it will be done immediately”

Meanwhile, he only had a business name registered. Not knowledgeable yet to know that export license in Nigeria is only issued to Limited liabilities companies with a three years standing experience.

Well, it didn’t take long before my friend who was willing to invest in him, concluded that he didn’t have the right cashew trading education and knowledge to match his zeal and passion. It was a lost opportunity. Investment opportunity met with lack of investment preparedness and plan.

This story unfortunately is a reflection of what is obtained in most of the youths seeking to embrace agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria today. From those seeking to delve into poultry farming, fish farming, livestock production, snail farming, food production, export, commodity trading etc.

My advice to you is simple and straightforward. If you are a youth interested in Agribusiness and agriculture in Nigeria; the following might be helpful if you are to be successful in your agribusiness start up dreams;

(1) Identify a given agribusiness field or agriculture chain where you want to be involved. Narrow your interest to a maximum of two. Preferably one.

(2) Start educating yourself about what is obtainable in that field. Attend workshops, attend seminars. Research. Luckily there are lots of free agriculture and farming threads online with free trainings and materials. Attend one on one training sessions.

(3)Get a mentor. Find someone in your chosen field who is doing well. Volunteer to work for free in his farm or agribusiness. Serve under him and learn real time practises and what obtains in a practical world in your field.

(4) Do market research in your field. Look for gaps to be filled. If its cashew for example; seek for opportunities in warehousing, storage, quality testing, packaging, sourcing etc.

(5) Develop a bankable business plan. Have it ready in soft and hard copy. Go through them periodically. Make reviews and additions and keep waiting for opportunity to present it.

(6) Keep yourself informed! Subscribe to agro blogs that can feed you timely information on grants and funding opportunities. Read the news. Identify agro blogs with credible and timely agro information. Stay up to date.

(7) Network with other like minded agro enthusiasts. Be part of an agro- cooperative in your area.

( Look out for opportunities to help others implement their agribusiness projects related to yours.

(9) Continue to stay passionate.

(10) Keep praying!

Written by Chika Okeke.

Chika Okeke is an Agribusiness consultant, farmer and agro blogger. He is the MD/CEO of MARIOK Agro Allied & Farms and the founder of Agro News Nigeria. (www.agronewsng.com)

He can be reached at; chika.okeke@agronewsng.com, 08035044364.

http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/03/why-funding-may-not-be-the-biggest-barrier-to-your-agribusiness-start-up/

The winners of the 2016 edition of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), have just been announced.

View the list on; http://tonyelumelufoundation.org/teep/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/TEEP_1000_NAMES_2016.pdf

Source; www.agronewsng.com

As part of efforts to grow more indigenous entrepreneurs, encourage the culture of self-reliance and deepen the Nigeria economy, the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) in partnership with Heritage Bank and its development partners is set to launch a N500 million special seed fund (YESGrant) for young Nigerians on Tuesday (22nd March 2016).

According to the Director of Communications Miss. Owomilere Obe, the scheme was borne out of the need to address the enormous challenges young people go through in their quest towards achieving set goals in their small scale businesses and in their academic pursuits. She noted that the grant will enable young entrepreneurs with creative ideas in Agriculture, ICT and creative industry start or expand their business concepts and provide over 500 Nigerian students schooling locally or abroad with tuition to pursue their academic dreams and aspiration in the areas of research and technological/scientific innovation.

“The main objective of the NYPF (YESGrant) Programme is to deepen the Nigerian economy by deliberately encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria to develop and execute business ideas that will lead to massive job creation and also paying tuition for indigent students so that they can be relevant to the society by having relevant skills that employer’s needs. Jobs are a foundation of economic and social development, improving living standards, productivity and social cohesion. Jobs are responsible for moving people out of poverty”.

She said. Owomilere, therefore encouraged all to apply through the grants online application system that will be available at www.yesgrant.com and provide all supporting documentation on or before June 2016 to be eligible for the first year disbursement to award recipients in August 2016.

To qualify for YESGrant, prospective recipients must be between the ages of 18- 40, be registered members of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), and be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) using their registered companies and have an account with Heritage Bank prior to disbursement of fund. Student’s award recipients must in addition provide their matriculation number and academic progression report.

The Nigerian Young Professionals Forum, a non-governmental organisation has been in the vanguard of building the next generation of business frontiers through intervention programmes for young Nigerians. In 2015, over 1000 carefully selected entrepreneurs made up of young business owners residing in Nigeria and in the Diaspora met at the International Conference Centre in Abuja for the debut of the Young Nigerians CEO’s Conference and Exhibition 2015 organized by the NYPF.

The conference with the theme, “Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Building Economic Leaders for Tomorrow” afforded young entrepreneurs in Nigeria the opportunity to exchange ideas with their peers from other parts of the world and also served as a platform for the young business owners to discuss challenges they encounter in their operations and its impact on the Nigerian economy.

source; http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/03/nypf-launches-500-million-naira-seed-fund-for-young-nigerian-entreprenuers/

Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah on Thursday officially inaugurated the Bank of Industry (BoI)’s N10billion-Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) scheme, aimed at developing the entrepreneurial capacity of youths and providing start up loans at concessionary interest rates to executive their business plans.

The scheme will allow each of the eligible beneficiaries to access a maximum of N5 million loan for the procurement of machinery and equipment, including working capital.

The loans are to be accessed at a single digit interest rate of 9 per cent, with a tenor of three to five years, inclusive of a six-month moratorium, the minister explained.

Enelamah said the initiative would help create and expand about 1,200 enterprises promoted by Nigerian youths nationwide.

He said:”The YES scheme that is being launched today, therefore provides an opportunity for the BoI to address the worrisome phenomenon by developing the capacity of the youths with a view to ultimately funding their business plans, aimed at equipping them to be self-employed by starting and managing their own businesses as well as eventually becoming employers of labour.”

Noting that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical bedrock of any economy wishing to develop, he said about 1.8 million young Nigerians enter the already saturated labour market on annually.

He said the new scheme is expected to create a minimum of 6,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs yearly.

Also speaking at occasion, acting Managing Director, BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olagunju said the key objectives of the initiative are to create an interactive learning platform to train young aspiring entrepreneurs in Entrepreneurship, Business Management and Technical Skills that will ultimately translate into improved efficiency and productivity, as well as rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit of youths and act as an incubation centre where business ideas are nurtured to their full potential.

He said the YES scheme further aims to entrench global best practices by inculcating a culture of innovation-driven entrepreneurship and ethics in the participants, promote self-employment among graduates of tertiary institutions, and deepen financial inclusion by de-risking the young aspiring entrepreneurs and making them eligible for small business loans.

He said contrary to the conventional loan requirement plan, the latest initiative has a liberal collateral requirements, including NYSC certificates, approved guarantors among others.

He said:”The collateral requirements for the loan are as follows: Debenture over the assets of the company or specific charge over the equipment (present and future); Deposit of original NYSC certificate and higher educational certificate (Ordinary National Diploma, Higher National Diploma or University Degree) with BOI. This will be subject to the certificate being certified by Background Check International (BCI).

He added that beneficiaries would need to provide two external guarantors acceptable to BoI who must belong to any of a Senior Civil Servant (Level 12 and above who should not be more than 53 years old or not more than 28 years in service (whichever comes first); Bankers (not below the level of Assistant Manager) and must have been confirmed by current employer.

Source: http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/03/boi-launches-n10billion-youth-entreprenuership-support-yes-scheme/

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Sen. Heineken Lokpobori, said the Federal Government will provide 73 motorised harvesters for farmers to boost oil palm production in the country.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Information and Protocol in the ministry, Mr Tony Ohaeri and was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The statement stated that the minister made the pledge when he received a delegation of the Oil Palm Growers Association (OPGAN) in his office.

``The Federal Government has procured 73 motorised oil palm harvesters to ease the suffering and loss that the farmers experience while harvesting and also to help in providing quality and world standard palm oil.

``The motorised harvester will be given to the farmers at a subsidised price and that farmers will be trained on how the harvester will be operated,’’ he said.

The minister said government was committed to helping the farmers’ access single digit loan from the CBN; Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry to boost production and attain food security.

On land tenure and site clearing, Lokpobori said the Federal Government would partner with states and the communities to achieve the required result.

He said that state governments would be sensitised and encouraged to key in to the programme to support farmers as food security had become everybody’s concern.

Earlier, the National President of the Association, Mr Hilary Uche, commended the Federal Government for responding to the plight of oil palm producers.

He urged the government to further assist farmers with high yielding seeds, pointing out about nine million high yielding seeds were needed by the group to meet national demand.

Source: http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/03/fg-to-distribute-motorised-harvesters-to-oil-palm-farmers/

Nigeria ranks among one of the countries in the world with the highest agricultural resources.

A nation blessed with an abundance of agricultural products. From the East to the West, North to South of Nigeria, there is an abundance and variety of agricultural products, which regrettably have been largely unexploited and undeveloped.

Each and every state in Nigeria is blessed with a unique agricultural product, which if developed and harnessed in line with modern and technological developments would see Nigeria not only been self sufficient in food and livestock production but also make it a major exporter of Agricultural products to the world.

Back in the 1960s, agriculture contributed to over 60% of the nation’s GDP, and despite the reliance of Nigerian peasant farmers on traditional tools and indigenous farming methods, these farmers produced 70% of Nigeria’s exports and 95% of its food needs.

During this period, Nigeria was the world’s second largest producer of cocoa, world’s largest exporter of palm kernel, world’s largest exporter and producer of palm oil. Nigeria was also a leading exporter of other commodities such as Cashew nuts, cotton, groundnut, rubber and hides and skin.

Regrettably, more than 50 years later, Agriculture accounts for just slightly above 20% of the nation’s GDP and foreign exchange, the nation now relies on imported agricultural products and foods to feed itself and Nigeria is no where to be found in the map of leading exporters and producers of agricultural products.

For more than 50 years, we abandoned agriculture to enjoy the quick, faster, abundant and ever flowing wealth that crude oil and its discovery had bestowed on the nation.
Today, most Nigerians would agree that crude oil discovery in Nigeria has almost become a curse to the nation, especially with its attendant effect on Agricultural development in Nigeria; mainly the abandonment of Agriculture.

In every state and region in Nigeria today, can be found these agricultural resources and potentials waiting to be harnessed and developed, be it; cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maize (corn), melon, millet, palm kernels, palm oil, plantains, rice, rubber, sorghum, soybeans, yams, fruits and vegetables.

Below is a summary of Nigeria’s agricultural products and the region and states where they are currently grown in large quantities and with potential for large scale production and processing;



OIL PALM

Supported by the climate, soil and vegetation in the following states; Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia (South East), Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Rivers, (South-South states. Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti (South- South)


COCOA

Nigeria’s cocoa is grown in thirteen of the 36 states, maily in the Southern part of the country. However, export quality can be found in South-West; Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun.


GROUNDNUT

Groundnut can be grown in large and export qualities in the Northern part of Nigeria. The North-West and North-East accounted for nearly 90% of Nigeria’ groundnut exports in the 1960s. The following states have huge potentials for groundnut; Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kastina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi (North-West), Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba, Borno (North-East), Niger, Plateu, Nassarawa (North-Central)



CASHEW / RAW CASHEW NUTS.

Cashew is grown in two – third of the 36 states in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian cashew of export quality is found and grown mainly in South – East (Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia) and South-West (Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo). Other states include; Kogi, FCT, Nassarawa, Cross river and Taraba.


BEEF, HIDES & SKIN

Nigeria’s beef comes predominantly from the Northern part of the country. The following states are known for cattle rearing and hence a large potential for meeting the nation’s beef demands and also earn foreign exchange in hides and skin exports.

States include; Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kastina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi (North-West), Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno (North-East), Niger (North- Central)



PEPPER (Fresh and dry)

Nigeria’s current local demands for pepper is being met through local production in the following states; Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, (North-West), Plateau (North – Central) and Bauchi (North-East).



TOMATOE

Tomatoe is largely grown in the Northern part of the country. States include; Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna (North-West), Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba (North-East),


CASSAVA.

The bulk of Nigeria’s cassava comes from the South East (Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia) Other leading states in cassava production include; Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Ondo, Ogun, Cross River and Delta.


COTTON

States leading in cotton production in Nigeria include; Kaduna, Ondo, Kano, Katsina ,Oyo, Kwara, Ogun Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi



YAM

The middle belt leads the band in the list of states producing and growing yam in Nigeria, with Benue state being the highest. Other states include; Anambra, Imo, Plateau, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun and Cross River state.


ONION

Kebbi state leads the band in the list of onion producing states in Nigeria. Aliero, Kebbi state is the home of Onions in Nigeria. Other states include; Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna.


MAIZE / CORN.

Maize is predominantly grown in the following northern states in Nigeria; Niger, Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa.



BEANS / COWPEA.

The Nigerian beans is grown predominatly in the Northern part of the country, with the follwing states leading; Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Gombe and Yobe




RICE

The Nigerian local rice is grown mainly in the two regions of South- East (Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu), and Northern part of the country (Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Niger and Taraba).

BANANA / PLANTAIN

Banana and plantain plantations are found mostly in the southern part of the country, with Ondo, Edo, Delta and Ogun states leading in production. Other states with leading banana and plantain production include; Rivers, Cross River, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Plateau, Osun, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Anambra and Enugu.

FRUITS / CITRUS
Benue state leads the pack in fruits and citrus production in Nigeria. With fruits eg; oranges, mangoe, pineapple etc. other states include, Benue, Nassarawa, Kogi, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kaduna, Taraba, Ekiti, Imo, Kwara, Edo, and Delta

RUBBER

Nigeria's Rubber production comes mainly from the Southern states. The following states; Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Cross River, are the major rubber producing states.

IN CONCLUSION;
In the last 50 years, since the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria, these agricultural products have been facing a downward trend in the quantity and quality of produce. This has been as a result of factors and challenges which include but not limited to; unimproved seedlings, agro extension services, funding, production and processing.

In the subsequent posts and articles on this series, I shall be undertaking a review of each of the cash crops and agricultural products in Nigeria as listed above; looking at the challenges to large scale production and processing and also proffering a way forward.
We can still get it right, at the least, for the future generation of Nigerians. As the Chinese proverb goes ‘The Best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now’

Article was written by Chika Okeke.
Chika Okeke is an agribusiness consultant, farmer, and agro blogger. He is the CEO, MARIOK Agro Allied & Farms and founder of Agro News Nigeria.

source: http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/03/nigerias-untapped-vast-agricultural-resources/

The Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, on Wednesday said Nigeria’s non -oil sector is expected to generate about $100billion export earnings in the next 12 years.

The NEPC boss said this at the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar titled: “Exporting for Growth: Opportunities in Non-oil Export,” that took place in Lagos yesterday.

He disclosed that the federal government has a ‘Zero Oil Plan’ whose aim is to systematically replace oil as the major national foreign exchange earner from $8 billion in 2019, $25billion in 2025, and eventually between $70-100 billion in the next 12 years.

According tohim, as part of strategy to boost the non-oil revenue, NEPC has implemented rigorous screening criteria to map out the most promising non oil export sectors for Nigeria which would be reviewed periodically.

According to him, sectors to replace Nigeria’s crude oil exports must be carefully selected, to ensure that sufficient income can be earned to replace lost national revenues within a reasonable investment cycle.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank, Mr. Peter Amangbo expressed the commitment of the bank to build non-oil export service excellence in the trade and investment sectors, as a means to enhance the performance of the economy as it seeks recovery, stability and growth.

He stated that Nigeria was facing urgent task of improving its Balance of Trade (BoT) by focusing on the non-oil exports following the sharp drop in oil prices. But Amangbo stated that increasing the country’s non-oil exports will help the Nigerian economy out of it present challenge.

Also speaking at the event, the CBN, Deputy Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Mr. W.D Gotring, said Zenith Bank ranks highest among non-oil export participating banks.

He, however, urged banks to deepen funding for non-oil segment of the economy, while stating that export is a key element of the economy that harnessed to boost economic growth.

He said that promotion of the real sector will increase foreign exchange receipt and create job within the economy.

Source: http://www.agronewsng.com/2016/03/nepc-targets-100m-non-oil-sector-revenue/