Chris Infotainment

Addressing Food Insecurity Through Innovative Agricultural Strategies The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has called on the government and agricultural stakeholders to focus on climate-smart, digital, and gender-responsive innovations in agricultural extension. His message is clear: these approaches are essential for addressing food insecurity in Nigeria. Prof. Ahmed highlighted the growing impact of climate change on Nigeria's agricultural landscape. He cited reports from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) that show erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, flooding, and an increase in pest attacks across various states. These challenges are not only threatening crop yields but also disrupting traditional farming practices. To combat these issues, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the role of extension officers as "frontline defenders." They must translate scientific research into practical, u...

The Challenges Facing Dry-Season Farming in Nigeria This year's dry-season farming operations have started at a slower pace, with many farmers showing a lack of enthusiasm due to the current decline in prices for key food items such as rice, maize, and wheat. This drop in prices, along with rising production costs and other related expenses, has left many farmers hesitant to engage in the process. In 2023, during the same period, a significant number of farmers left their communities to seek out irrigation land for dry-season production, as grain prices were attractive. However, the recent decline in grain prices—particularly for rice, maize, and wheat—has led to substantial losses for farmers. Many who spoke to Weekend Trust expressed that they are not encouraged by the current situation and may either avoid farming this season or do so on a very small scale. The government has launched a dry-season program targeting 500,000 hectares of land. According to Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdulla...

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall Seeks Federal Support The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has recently sought support from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in its efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded land. This comes as part of a broader initiative to implement the 50-million-date-palm project across 11 frontline states in northern Nigeria. During a courtesy visit to the SGF in Abuja, the Director General/CEO of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, highlighted the agency’s recent achievements and future goals. He mentioned that the initiative was launched during the agency's 10th-anniversary ceremony in August 2025. The project is designed to curb desert encroachment and restore degraded lands in the affected states. According to Abubakar, NAGGW has already distributed over five million date palms across the 11 frontline states. The goal is to scale this up to 50 million by 2030, marking a significan...

Farmers Block Road in Naldanga Demanding Fertilizer On Sunday, farmers in Naldanga upazila of Natore district took to the streets to block a road, demanding the immediate supply of fertilizer ahead of the boro season. The protest was sparked by the lack of availability of essential agricultural inputs, which is critical for ensuring a successful harvest. Around 10 am, a group of farmers visited the shop of Shyam Sundar Agarwal, a local fertilizer dealer located at the Naldanga intersection, hoping to collect their share of the fertilizer. However, they were met with disappointment as the store did not have the necessary supplies. This led to frustration among the farmers, who then decided to stage a demonstration in front of the upazila Agriculture Office. The protest quickly escalated, with farmers blocking roads at the upazila headquarters point. They also demanded the removal of the Upazila Agriculture Officer, Kishoar Hossain, citing his failure to ensure the timely distribution...

The Essence of Farming Farming is a profound expression of life, rooted in the earth and sustained by the cycles of nature. It encompasses the fields of yields, where springs and sprouts flourish, and grains and nuts grow in abundance. Tubers and fingers, roots and fruits—each element plays a role in this intricate dance of growth. From apple to pineapple, from berry to strawberry, from yam to cocoyam, from avocado to potato, from cocoa to coconut, and even from akple to tuo zaafi, farming is a testament to the diversity of life. The Farmer's Dedication The farmer is a figure of unwavering determination. The cold morning could not hold him in bed after the first cockcrow. The dew could not deny his due, as he embarks on his chosen duty. The rising sun could not shut his reason for rising before sunrise. Wild weeds could not weaken his will to weed the field. He sows his seed in the morning, and his hand does not rest until the evening. After the rain, he casts his seed beneath t...

The Critical Need for Agricultural Extension in Nigeria The 2025 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting (NAERPM) has brought to light a pressing issue in Nigeria's agricultural sector: the extremely low ratio of agricultural extension workers to farm families. This ratio is currently estimated at 1:6,466, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of extension services across the country. Experts attending the meeting emphasized that this gap significantly hinders the delivery of efficient agricultural support, which in turn affects productivity and leads to poor crop yields. The meeting, themed 'Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agricultural Extension in Nigeria: Addressing Climate Change, Digital Gaps and Gender Equity,' was organized by the National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NAERLS) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A communiqué signed by Dr. Habib N. Abubakar of the National Centre for Research on Industrial Crops (NCR...

Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) Transforms Agriculture and Livelihoods The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), designed to promote inclusive economic growth, especially among women and youth, has significantly boosted productivity, mechanisation, and income among smallholder farmers in the state. The initiative aims to transform smallholder farming into a viable enterprise by strengthening commodity value chains to tackle rural poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment. Five years after its launch, many farmers in Kano State say they are witnessing unprecedented improvements in yield and agricultural modernisation. This transformation is attributed to the project's comprehensive approach, which includes training, equipment distribution, and infrastructure development. Training and Support for Farmers Aminu Ibrahim Rimin Gado, an agricultural extension worker in Gwarzo Local Government Area, said KSADP has repositioned Kano as the state wi...

The Hidden Costs of Factory Farming Factory farming has become a significant concern not only for animal welfare but also for its impact on human health and the environment. A recent report titled the Factory Farming Index (FFI), released by World Animal Protection, highlights the far-reaching consequences of this industrialized food system. According to the report, factory farming leads to a loss of 1.8 years of healthy life per person globally. Tricia Croasdell, CEO of World Animal Protection, emphasized that this is the first attempt to quantify the widespread harm caused by factory farming. "Very little research currently exists on the multiple effects of the immense global factory farming industry," she stated. Key Drivers of Health Loss One of the main factors contributing to this loss is antibiotic resistance. Factory farms use an alarming amount of antibiotics—66,000 tonnes annually, which is double the amount used in human medicine. This excessive use is primari...

Recognition of Excellence in Agricultural Education The Northern College of Science and Technology, located in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region, has been awarded the 2025 National Best Junior High School in Practical Agriculture at the 41st National Farmers’ Day awards ceremony. This prestigious event took place in Ho, within the Volta region, and highlighted the school’s remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture. This recognition is a testament to the school's dedication to promoting agricultural practices and cultivating future agricultural leaders. The award comes with a significant package of support, including the construction of a 12-unit classroom block by GETFund and a brand-new mini-bus from Beft Agro. Additionally, the school received a 22-horsepower diesel multi-functional tricycle equipped with a thresher, sprayers, cutlasses, knapsack sprayers, wellington boots, and various agro-chemicals. Mr Nathaniel Adams, the founder of the Northern Colleg...

Addressing Food Insecurity Through Innovative Agricultural Strategies The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has emphasized the urgent need for government and agricultural stakeholders to focus on climate-smart, digital, and gender-responsive innovations in agricultural extension. These strategies are crucial in addressing the persistent issue of food insecurity in Nigeria. Prof. Ahmed highlighted that climate change is already significantly disrupting Nigeria's rainy seasons. According to reports from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), there have been erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and an increase in pest attacks across various states. He warned that without immediate action, these challenges could further exacerbate food shortages and economic instability. The Role of Extension Officers In his speech at the 2025 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting, organized...

Addressing the Challenges of the Livestock Sector The 1st National Council on Livestock Development, held in Yola, Adamawa State on Monday, November 24, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to address pressing issues affecting the livestock sector. The conference, themed "Livestock Rebirth: Accelerating Renewed Hope," aimed to chart a course for the modernization of this crucial industry. Stakeholders such as farmers, investors, policy makers, technology developers, and parliamentarians gathered to discuss strategies for transforming the sector, which has long been plagued by crises. The minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, outlined the ministry’s achievements since its establishment a year ago. He emphasized that significant progress had been made, guided by initiatives like the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) and the National Livestock Master Plan. Maiha highlighted that the NL-GAS aims to increase the value of Nigeria...

Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation: A New Era of Growth and Collaboration In Addis Ababa, on December 4, 2025, the Agriculture State Minister, Melese Mekonen, highlighted a remarkable shift in Ethiopia's agricultural sector. This transformation is driven by the Medemer State vision, which has led to significant progress in the country's farming industry. According to the minister, the agricultural sector has successfully transitioned from subsistence farming to producing market-oriented crops in unprecedented variety, quantity, and quality. This shift marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia's economic development, as it now aims to meet both domestic and international market demands. The Prime Minister's book, The Medemer State , outlines the previous focus on smallholder plots, which contributed to improved household income but lacked the capacity to generate surplus for broader markets or industrial growth. The text emphasizes the need to move beyond immediate cons...

Innovations in Agriculture Take Center Stage at AgricFair At this year’s AgricFair, held in Ho as part of Ghana’s 41st Farmers Day celebrations, innovative agricultural technologies were the highlight of the event. The fair, which took place on December 3, 2025, served as a platform for researchers and agribusiness institutions to showcase modern solutions aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices. Several key organizations participated in the fair, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the KNUST School of Agriculture, the University of Ghana School of Agriculture, and the African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC). These institutions presented a range of advancements that are expected to transform the agricultural landscape in Ghana. Dr. Rasmus Tse, an agricultural researcher from KNUST, shared insights into his team's work on breeding both indigenous and foreign chicken varieties. According to Dr. Tse, their innovations have led to faster grow...

The Role of SMEs in Nigeria's Horticulture Sector The Programme Director of HortiNigeria, Mohammed Salasi Idris, has emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving innovation within Nigeria's horticulture sector. However, many of these businesses are underperforming due to inadequate infrastructure. According to Idris, post-harvest losses account for over 45% of produce in the horticulture value chain. This significant loss not only deprives farmers of potential revenue but also highlights the need for intervention. HortiNigeria, a program funded by the Dutch Embassy in Nigeria, aims to address these challenges through various initiatives. Addressing Post-Harvest Losses HortiNigeria has managed to reduce post-harvest losses by an impressive 83% in its intervention areas by introducing and deploying cold storage facilities and other strategies. Off-grid cold storage solutions, such as Ecotutu's solar-powered facilities, can exten...

Strategic Investments to Boost Punjab’s Economic Growth The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently approved three significant projects worth $381 million, aimed at enhancing agriculture, education, and health services in Punjab. These initiatives are designed to stimulate economic growth in the province, which represents over half of Pakistan's population and economic activity. ADB Country Director for Pakistan, Emma Fan, emphasized the importance of these investments: "Investing in education, health, and agricultural mechanization will play a transformative role in driving the growth of Punjab, a vital pillar of Pakistan's economy. These strategic investments will modernize agriculture, enhance human capital, and significantly improve livelihoods for millions of people across Punjab." Modernizing Agriculture with Climate-Resilient Practices One of the key projects is the Punjab Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project , which includes ...

Advancements in Agricultural Technology Highlighted at Field Day Event A recent field day event, organized by the University of Al-Gezira's Faculty of Agricultural Sciences in collaboration with DAL Innovative Agriculture Company, showcased cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and remote-control technologies within the agricultural sector. The event took place at the Al-Neshaishiba experimental farm, providing a platform for demonstrating how these innovations can revolutionize farming practices. The field day followed a workshop focused on improving agricultural production in Al-Gezira State. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including Dr. Arfa Mahmoud, Director General and Acting Minister of the Production and Economic Resources, Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Al-Tigani Al-Nour Bashir, faculty members, representatives from DAL, farmers, and other stakeholders. This gathering emphasized the importance of integrating modern technologies into t...

A New Agricultural Boom on the Chars As floodwaters gradually receded across northern Bangladesh, the newly deposited silt has transformed the sandy river islands of the Teesta, Dharla, Saniyazan, and Brahmaputra—locally known as chars—into fertile land, leading to a significant increase in agricultural activities. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, there are nearly 786 char areas in the northern rivers, and communities living there have started to rebuild their livelihoods after the recent floods. The agricultural sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with farmers focusing on cultivating a wide range of crops. Agriculturist Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur agricultural region, mentioned that this year's cultivation target for the chars has been set at 36,911 hectares, with an expected output of 362,000 tonnes of various crops. He explained that the harvest this year could help many families recover, as a single crop can sustain them...

A New Era of Agriculture on the Chars As floodwaters gradually receded across northern Bangladesh, the newly deposited silt has transformed the sandy river islands of the Teesta, Dharla, Saniyazan, and Brahmaputra—locally known as chars—into highly fertile land. This change has sparked a significant increase in agricultural activities, with farmers working tirelessly to cultivate the land. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, there are nearly 786 char areas within the northern rivers, and communities residing there have started to rebuild their livelihoods after the recent floods. Agriculturist Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur agricultural region, stated that this year's cultivation target for the chars has been set at 36,911 hectares, with an expected output of 362,000 tonnes of various crops. "Char residents are likely to recover through this year's harvest. A single crop can sustain many families for an entire year," he explain...

Launch of the Vegetable Development Project in Kukuom President John Dramani Mahama has initiated a new vegetable development project, marking a significant step towards addressing food insecurity. This initiative aims to empower farmers by enabling them to grow more food and secure a stable income. The project was launched in Kukuom as a central component of his government's broader "Feed Ghana Initiative." President Mahama emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure Ghanaians have consistent access to affordable, locally grown vegetables throughout the year. The project includes a comprehensive support package for farmers, which encompasses high-quality seeds, organic fertilizer, training, and digital advice. These resources are designed to enhance productivity and sustainability in farming practices. To address the challenge of farmers struggling to sell their crops, the President announced a partnership with FarmMeets, a committed buyer that will purchase all the...

A New Era for Nigeria’s Livestock Sector The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards transforming the livestock sector by launching an initiative to unify livestock data across the country. This move comes as part of efforts to replace guesswork and fragmented records with accurate, evidence-based decision-making. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized that the era of relying on assumptions and scattered information must come to an end. He stressed that policies must now be based on accurate evidence to unlock the full economic potential of the livestock industry. Maiha expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious $74 billion target, citing his recent visit to Yola where he saw tangible progress. The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions Maiha highlighted that Nigeria has accumulated vast amounts of livestock-related data over the years, drawing from multiple national systems and surveillance platforms. However, he pointed out that this da...