Chris Infotainment

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Women Farmers in Bangladesh Demand Recognition and Support Women farmers in Bangladesh play a critical role in the country's food production, yet they remain largely unrecognized and underserved. At a recent national seminar held in Dhaka, various stakeholders emphasized the need for the government to formally acknowledge women farmers and provide them with equal access to agricultural services. The seminar, titled "Inclusion of Women Farmers in Climate-Resilient Crop Production and the Role of Policymakers," was organized by AVAS, BINDU, COAST Foundation, and Street Child UK, with support from the Gates Foundation. It was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of the COAST Foundation, while Md. Iqbal Uddin delivered the keynote address. The Disproportionate Representation of Women in Agriculture According to the speakers, women make up 58% of Bangladesh's agricultural workforce, yet only 19% own land. Moreover, just 4-5% of these women can effect...

Record-Breaking Performance in South Africa's Citrus Export Sector South Africa’s citrus industry has achieved a historic milestone in the 2025 export season, marking a significant leap in its global presence. The country successfully exported 203.4 million 15kg cartons of citrus fruit to international markets, setting a new record for the highest volume ever recorded. This accomplishment underscores the resilience and strategic planning of the sector, which continues to play a vital role in the nation's economy. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen commended the industry for this remarkable achievement, highlighting it as a reflection of the hard work and dedication of growers, workers, and industry leaders. He emphasized that reaching over 203 million cartons for the export market is not just a number, but a clear indicator of the sector’s importance in job creation and foreign exchange earnings. The 2025 export figures represent a 22% increase compared to the 2024 vol...

Pakistan's Ambitious Onion Production Targets for 2025-26 Pakistan has set a new target for onion production for the 2025-26 crop year, aiming to produce 2.78 million tons of onions across the country. This goal is to be achieved by cultivating onions over 168,000 hectares. The government’s decision to increase this target is based on the successful output from the ongoing 2024-25 season. According to official data from Wealth Pakistan, the national onion production during the 2024-25 season increased by 19.2 percent, reaching 2.747 million tons compared to 2.3046 million tons in the previous year. Additionally, the cultivated area expanded by 16.8 percent, increasing from 142,500 hectares to 166,400 hectares, as reported in a document from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Onion is the second most important vegetable crop in Pakistan after potato, with annual consumption estimated between 1.6 and 1.8 million tons. It plays a crucial role in household cooking ...

Key Recommendations for Optimizing Wheat Production in Punjab The Agriculture Department has issued a critical reminder to farmers across Punjab, urging them to complete wheat cultivation by November 20 to maximize production outcomes. As the most vital food crop in Pakistan, wheat plays a central role in the nation's food security. Punjab, known for its favorable climate and soil conditions, is targeting a production goal of 10.65 million acres this year. The province’s agricultural potential is significant, with opportunities to boost per-acre yields through proper farming techniques. Cost Reduction Measures for Farmers To support farmers in reducing their production costs, the government has taken several steps. One key measure is the reduction of certified wheat seed prices from Rs6,500 to Rs5,500 per bag. Additionally, both federal and provincial governments have set the wheat support price at Rs3,500 per 40 kg. These measures are aimed at making wheat cultivation more acce...

Key Developments in Agricultural Finance and Policy The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing agricultural finance in Cross River State. The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, recently met with the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, to explore the development of a subnational non-ISPO de-risking mechanism. This initiative aims to expand access to agricultural finance within the state. The NADF delegation was accompanied by its technical partners, Propcom+, led by Country Director Adiya Ode. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable agricultural growth. Governor's Support and Technical Committee Formation Governor Otu welcomed the initiative and directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to establish a technical committee. This committee will work alongside NADF and Propcom+ to review and adapt the de-risking framework. The goal is to ensure tha...

Renewed Hope for Moroccan Farmers Amid Rainfall Forecasts Promising forecasts of rainfall across Morocco next week have brought a wave of optimism among farmers, who are preparing for the new agricultural season after years of drought. In provinces like Larache, known for their agricultural vitality, activity has increased as farmers begin early planting of crops such as alfalfa, barley, and sugar beet. Local farmer Abdelssalam Cherki shared his thoughts on the situation, stating that many growers are rushing to plow and sow before the first rains arrive. He expressed hope that sufficient precipitation will help reduce irrigation costs. “There is real optimism this year,” he said. “Farmers want to believe this season will finally bring relief.” Weather Patterns and Agricultural Planning Agricultural expert Riad Ouhtita highlighted that Morocco’s current weather instability typically begins in the mid-south and moves north, with early rains usually arriving before the end of Octobe...

Federal Committee on Agriculture Reviews Kharif Crops and Sets Rabi Targets The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA), led by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, recently convened to assess the performance of the Kharif Crops 2025-26 season and approve production targets for the upcoming Rabi Crops 2025-26. The meeting brought together provincial agriculture ministers, secretaries, and senior officials from both federal and provincial departments. Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring food security, and improving the living standards of farmers. He emphasized that the agriculture sector is the backbone of the national economy and plays a vital role in national growth, rural prosperity, and employment generation. The minister also stressed the importance of better price mechanisms, access to credit, and availability of quality inputs to support farmers effectiv...

Introduction to the Agricultural Drone Training Program The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a ten-day training program focused on the operation of agricultural drones for agricultural experts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at leveraging modern technologies to boost productivity and increase farmers' income. The program, which commenced today in Dodoma, underscores the government's commitment to adopting innovative solutions in the agricultural sector. Key Objectives of the Training The training was officially launched by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture in charge of Irrigation and Agricultural Equipment, Athumani Kilundumya. During the launch, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that the skills acquired during the training are applied practically and directly benefit farmers. He also highlighted the government's goal of helping farmers increase their income and making the agricultural sector a catalyst for eco...

A Major Step Toward Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Independence The decision by the National Economic Council (NEC) at its 152nd meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, to endorse the Solar Irrigation Pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for a nationwide rollout ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming has been recognized as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward food security, sustainable energy, and technological self-reliance. This move is not just a policy announcement but a clear signal that the government is committed to supporting local innovations with practical implementation. It connects science and engineering directly to the daily challenges faced by farmers across the country. With the dry season approaching, the NEC members agreed that the deployment of solar irrigation technology was urgent and necessary. NASENI had already presented ready-made pumps, whic...

A Growing Horticultural Sector in Nigeria In recent days, a diverse group of stakeholders including horticultural experts, university representatives, farmers, entrepreneurs, donor agencies, and members of the diplomatic corps convened in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the 2025 HortiNigeria learning event and stakeholder engagement. This gathering brought together a significant number of young horticultural farmers and entrepreneurs from Kaduna, Kano, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and other regions across Nigeria to network, exchange knowledge, and explore opportunities within the country’s horticultural sector. HortiNigeria is a program funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, with the goal of fostering a sustainable and inclusive horticulture industry. The initiative has been instrumental in supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, who are increasingly becoming key players in this evolving sector. Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria,...