Connect with us

Agriculture

Northern Nigeria has potential to feed the nation – Don

Published

on

Northern Nigeria has potential to feed the nation – Don

 

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutse, Prof. Abdulkarim Muhammad, has said that Northern Nigeria has the potential to feed the nation and export to other parts of the world if good policies are implemented by the Government.

 

Muhammad made this known on Thursday in Kano during the Regional Food Science and Technology Summit, organized by the Nigerian Institute of food Science and Technology, Northwest chapter.

 

The University don who described the theme, “positioning Northern Nigerian Food for the Global market”, as apt, said that northern Nigeria has great agricultural potentials due to its abundant arable land.

 

“If properly developed and harnessed, it will not only satisfy our domestic needs but make Nigeria a global force in food within a short time,” he explained.

 

Muhammad further decried how the country abandoned the production of crops like Rice, Cassava Maize, and Sorghum among others, even with the comparative advantage it has.

 

He urged the federal government to give priority to agriculture because it is capable of turning around the nation’s economy due to its multiplier effects.

 

The vice chancellor appealed to governments at all levels, to faithfully implement policies on agriculture.

 

Earlier, the chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of food Technology, Northwest chapter, Dr Zahra’u Bamalli, said the programme was aimed at improving food production in the north.

 

According to her, “the theme of the conference signifies the importance of leveraging our culinary heritage, indigenous ingredients, traditional knowledge to create innovative and high-quality global competitive food products.

 

“We must explore avenue for value addition, address issues related to food safety and quality, adopt sustainable production practice and enhance the marketing and distribution network to carter to the demand of an evolving global market,” she said.

 

Bamalli explained that the conference was aimed at fostering collaboration among researchers, industry professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders.

 

According to her, through collaborations, they can collectively work towards developing practical solutions and strategies that will elevate the northern Nigerian food industry to new heights.

About The Author

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Agriculture

Food Safety: NOA, NAFDAC, SON Collaborate in Kano to Combat Hazardous Chemicals in Food

Published

on

By

 

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of using harmful chemicals for food preservation.

The rally took place at Na’ibawa Fruits, Dawanau Grains, and Yankaba Vegetable Markets in Kano metropolis.

In his address, the Kano State Director of NOA, Alh. Rabi’u Ado, emphasized that the initiative was aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting proper standards in the food business.

The Assistant Director of the Kano office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who represented State Coordinator Dr. Danladi Abba, warned traders against the use of calcium carbide and other dangerous chemicals in food preservation.

He noted that such chemicals could cause cancer and harm vital organs, assuring that NAFDAC would take strict action against offenders.

Representing the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Oliver Panyi Abraham assured the public that the agency would ensure chemicals were used only for their intended purposes, strictly following safety guidelines.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Dawanau Market Development Association, Alh. Muttaka Isa, and the Secretary of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, Kano branch, Alh. Adam Mohd, pledged their support for NOA, NAFDAC, and SON in the fight against harmful practices in the state.

Meanwhile, the Health Educator of Kumbotso Local Government, Malam Nasir, urged fruit traders to uphold hygienic practices, maintain cleanliness in their environment, and avoid open defecation near the market.

 

About The Author

Continue Reading

Agriculture

FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on soil health card scheme

Published

on

By

The Federal Government has commenced training for laboratory technicians and technologists on the use of Soil Health Card (SHC) modules in a bid to enhance soil management practices across the country.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Kano, the Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekin, said the objective of the sensitization was to train technologists and technicians on the mode of operation of the soil health card scheme.

He noted that the training was aimed at equipping laboratory personnel with the necessary skills to assess soil health and give recommendations to farmers.

Olanipekun added that the training covered various aspects of soil health analysis, including conducting soil tests, interpreting results, and providing farmers with recommendations based on the findings.

The Director also highlighted the importance of the SHC initiative in supporting farmers with accurate soil data.

“Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture. By ensuring that laboratory technicians and technologists are well-trained on the use of SHC modules, we are taking a vital step toward improving soil quality and enhancing food security in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the engagement with some of the stakeholders would also contribute to developing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers.

Olanipekun urged the participants to ensure the effective implementation of the SHC system, noting that it will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the long-term health of Nigeria’s agricultural land.

He urged farmers in Kano and the country as a whole to take their soil samples to laboratories in order to reduce farming cost and improve agricultural productivity.

Earlier, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr Faruk Kurawa,emphasized the significance of accurate soil testing.

“Proper soil analysis and timely recommendations can greatly improve crop yields and help prevent land degradation,” he explained.

Kurawa added that the widespread adoption of the SHC program would lead to improved agricultural practices and greater food security for Nigeria.

About The Author

Continue Reading

Agriculture

FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on Soil Health Card Modules

Published

on

By

Federal Government has commenced training for laboratory technicians and technologists on the use of Soil Health Card (SHC) modules in a bid to enhance soil management practices across the country.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Kano, the Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekin, said the objective of the sensitization was to train technologists and technicians on the mode of operation of the soil health card scheme.
He noted that the training was aimed at equipping laboratory personnel with the necessary skills to assess soil health and give recommendations to farmers.
Olanipekun added that the training covered various aspects of soil health analysis, including conducting soil tests, interpreting results, and providing farmers with recommendations based on the findings.
The Director also highlighted the importance of the SHC initiative in supporting farmers with accurate soil data.
“Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture. By ensuring that laboratory technicians and technologists are well-trained on the use of SHC modules, we are taking a vital step toward improving soil quality and enhancing food security in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the engagement with some of the stakeholders would also contribute to developing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers.
Olanipekun urged the participants to ensure the effective implementation of the SHC system, noting that it will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the long-term health of Nigeria’s agricultural land.
He urged farmers in Kano and the country as a whole to take their soil samples to laboratories in order to reduce farming cost and improve agricultural productivity.
Earlier, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr Faruk Kurawa,emphasized the significance of accurate soil testing.
 “Proper soil analysis and timely recommendations can greatly improve crop yields and help prevent land degradation,” he explained.
Kurawa added that the widespread adoption of the SHC program would lead to improved agricultural practices and greater food security for Nigeria.
Some of the participants who spoke to our correspondent expressed their appreciation for the training, with many highlighting its practical relevance to their daily work.(

About The Author

Continue Reading

Trending

Share This