...Scientific coalition rebuts Anti-GMO campaigns, reaffirms safety of Genetically Modified Crops

In a unified stance, Nigeria's top agricultural research bodies have declared genetically modified organisms (GMOs) safe, countering a recent wave of anti-GMO campaigns. The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), backed by key agencies like the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), asserts that GMOs pose no harm to humans, animals, or the environment.

The Federal Government has expressed its support to collaborate with  Bangladesh in agro- farming to boost the bilateral relations between both countries.

...State strategises to meet 200,000 tonnes of paddy capacity

Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, disclosed that the agriculture sector contributed N7 trillion to the state's Gross Domestic Products (GDP), noting that not less than 10,000 cows are slaughtered daily in the state.

 Olam Food Ingredients (Ofi), the biggest cashew company in Kwara, on Thursday pledged to continually improve the wellbeing of cashew farmers and partnering communities for better yields.

Dr. Tony Bello, a food scientist, has urged the Federal Government to tap into the expertise of food technocrats among Nigerian diaspora to enhance the growth of the country’s consumer packaged food sub-sector.

The Federal Government has pledged to create agricultural hub across the country through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme and Value Chain Development Programme.(VCDP)

Mr Shuaibu Hamza, the President of National Association of Wheat Farmers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAWFPMAN), says the association is mobilising members towards large scale production of the commodity henceforth

The National President, Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Mr Orioye Gbayisemore, has appealed to the State Government to declare a state of emergency on the decay of infrastructure in the marine business.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), has begun the training of 55 cassava farmers on processing, packaging and value addition in Edo.

The Federal Government on Wednesday, says it has taken steps to increase the production of wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and soybean, through the provision of relevant farm inputs.

A devastating windstorm hit the Dauda Mafala and Sons Poultry Farm at Rapomol, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau on Saturday, killing over 3,600 birds.

 The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Hamisu Sharabutu, says the council will continue to work with the private sector for agricultural innovations and economic growth.

Some agriculture experts have reiterated the need for the incoming minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, to collaborate with major stakeholders for the sector’s growth and food security.