Agriculture

Reconsider Decision to Lift Ban on Rice Importation, RiPAN to FG

Published

2 years ago

October 19, 2023

Admin

Reconsider Decision to Lift Ban on Rice Importation, RiPAN to FG

By Admin Oct. 19, 2023

Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RiPAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government to reconsider its recent decision to lift the ban on importation of foreign rice as announced.

The Public Relation Officer of the Kano Chapter of the Association and Chairman, CEO, Fursa Food LTD, Alh. Abba Dantata made the appeal yesterday in Kano during a media chart with members of Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ).

According to him, although the Federal Government has not come out to make it clear to the populace and other relevant stakeholders why the lift on the ban at a time local production is being encouraged, RPAN considers the move a ‘wrong one’, capable of destroying local rice industries.

Dantata said, a lot has been put in place by the previous administration to encourage rice production in the country which this present administration is a continuety as such, should not be expected to turn back progress achieved so far in that regard.

Any country that cannot produce food for its people is calling for trouble – Abba Dantata

He suggested that, the Federal Government should rather embark on massive infrastructural development that will further make rice production easier and cheaper without opening up the borders for its Importation which will force many of their members to shutdown thereby, creating more unemployment.

Abba, however blamed shortage of rice paddy, middle men and unstable foreign exchange rate among others as some of the major factors responsible for high cost of local rice which the government must find a way to checkmate these issues with lasting solutions.

Our economy must not be opened up for people to dump all manner of products to the detriment of our own industries- Fursa CEO

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recently lifted ban on 43 items which has generated mixed reactions amongst experts.

The business mugul however added that personally, he believes the government has good intentions and will not jeopardise efforts made to encourage farming in the nation.

He further added that the Federal Government must put in place policies that will protect local rice industry if the foreign rice must be allowed into the country to avoid massive exit from the industry.

That as a body, they have already written to the Federal Government seeking for audience over the matter and are awaiting their response.

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Agriculture

Tinubu

Published

4 weeks ago

April 20, 2025

Admin

President Bola Tinubu

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Admin

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Agriculture

New HJRBDA boss outlines ambitious agenda for agricultural growth, youth empowerment

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2025

Admin

Rabiu Suleiman – Bichi, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), has pledged to deliver sweeping reforms across agriculture, water resource management, and youth empowerment.

This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Bichi spoke while addressing staff of the Authority shortly after taking over on Wednesday.

” Water Resource Management, 20% boost in water-use efficiency through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and optimized irrigation systems.

” Agricultural Expansion, Increase coverage from 54,000 to 240,000 hectares, aiming to raise paddy rice production from 216,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes.

“Dam Rehabilitation, Enhance dam water retention capacity via de-silting and other remedial actions.

” Crop Yield Improvement, 30% year-on-year increase in yields through modern farming practices and improved irrigation technology.

” Community Satisfaction, Target 85% satisfaction among local stakeholders through inclusive planning and comprehensive basin management strategy.

” Youth Empowerment

The administration will focus on training at least 5,000 youths across Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi States in areas such in Modern Irrigation,Beekeeping,Horticulture,

Greenhouse,Farming,Hydroponics and Fodder Production*

He explained that the training program will cover Technical Skills, Irrigation installation and maintenance ,Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Soil conservation and crop rotation

Others are Entrepreneurship Business management and market access,Community Engagement, Cross-cultural knowledge-sharing and cooperation.

The Authority will work with:

Bank of Agriculture (BOA),

-National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NASENI and

Ministry for Livestock to support farmers and trainees.

The new leadership also pledged support for Her Excellency Mrs. Remi Tinubu’s “Every Home a Garden” initiative.

The Managing Director outlined plans for improved staff welfare and transparent postings, anchored on merit and bureaucratic standards.

The goal is to create a supportive environment that boosts morale, increases productivity, and fosters trust among employees

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Agriculture

SSSN to Honor Gov. Zulum, Agric Minister at Annual Conference in Kano

Published

1 month ago

April 8, 2025

Admin

The Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN) has announced plans to award the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, with membership honors at its upcoming annual conference in Kano.

Scheduled for Tuesday at the Bayero University New Site, the event will celebrate the outstanding contributions of both leaders to the advancement of soil science and agriculture in Nigeria.

Gov. Zulum is being recognized for his leadership in promoting agricultural initiatives, particularly in Borno State, while Sen. Sabi Abdullahi is being acknowledged for his national efforts to enhance soil management and promote sustainable farming practices.

Prof. Jibril Mohammad, President of the SSSN, made the announcement during a news conference on Monday in Kano.

This year’s conference holds special significance, marking the first time in 47 years that the SSSN’s annual conference will be hosted in Kano. Prof. Mohammad emphasized that the conference aims to explore strategies to improve soil science practices to enhance crop yields and reduce agricultural losses.

With the theme “Promoting Soil Health and Resilience Through Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” the conference seeks to advance soil science and improve food security across Nigeria.

“This conference will focus on developing strategies that contribute to sustainable agricultural growth by promoting better soil management practices,” he said.

Prof. Mohammad, who also serves as the Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, noted that the SSSN is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to conduct research and disseminate vital information on effective soil utilization and fertilizer application.

“The collaboration aims to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he added.

Several other prominent Nigerians will also be recognized for their contributions to soil health.

The conference will feature sessions on a range of sub-themes, including Land Resource Assessment and Management, Soil Health and Nutrient Management, Soil Physics and Conservation.

Additional sessions will cover Capacity Building and Extension, as well as Cross-Cutting Issues and Advances in Soil Science Research.

Stakeholders from various sectors, including researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners, have been invited to participate and present innovative solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.