ibironkeeniola 
The Federal Government last Wednesday approved a total of N13.9 billion intervention fund for pest and animal disease control in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Sabo Nanono secured the approval from the Federal Executive Council during its meeting at the State House in Abuja.
- FMARD to introduce Livestock Registration Scheme
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) last week announced that it was taking significant steps to resuscitate the registration of livestock in Nigeria.
The ministry said the registration would also extend to livestock flocking from neighbouring countries.
Nanono said the ministry was keen on reviewing its policies on the movement of cattle, sheep, and goats.
The minister stated this during the inauguration of the governing board of the Nigerian Veterinary Council.
The announcement came a month after the ministry had notified directors of agricultural ministries nationwide to commence the documentation of all agricultural assets.
- Buhari, Emefiele, Others Grace Argungu Int’l Agric Show
President Muhammadu Buhari last Thursday attended the Grand Finale of the Argungu International Agricultural Show and Cultural Festival in Kebbi State.
Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was also in attendance.
Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru; Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, also attended the ceremony.
The President during the ceremony presented award plaques of N1 million to the Best Male Farmer of the Year, Abdullahi Saidu; and Best Female Farmer of the Year, Hajiya Kulu Kotoko.
- More than seven million Nigerians to face hunger between June and August 2020 – Report
An FMARD-facilitated report last week warned that at least seven million Nigerians would face hunger between June and August 2020.
The report, Cadre Harmonis (CH) Analysis, predicted food insecurity in sixteen Northern Nigerian States and the Federal Capital Territory.
The report was also supported by the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation, and the World Food Program.
The Analysis is a regional framework that provides a consensual analysis of acute food insecurity across West African countries.
FAO during the presentation of the report on Thursday in Abuja said the figures could have worsened if not for the government and the massive intervention of humanitarian communities
- “Six Geopolitical Zones to Reap Massively from SAPZ Project,” Says Nanono’s TA
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono is set to embark on a visit to the six geopolitical zones of the country to ignite private sector involvement in capitalizing on the agro-industrial agenda.
Nanono’s Technical Adviser (TA) on Knowledge Management and Communications, Barr. Richard-Mark Mbaram, made the disclosure during the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Cassava Cottage Processing and Marketing Association of Nigeria (CACOPMAN).
The AGM held recently at the IAR&T Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mbaram explained that the minister’s visit would help to stimulate mutual interactions with grassroots stakeholders and players in the sector.
The planned move, Mbaram added, would be in furtherance of the minister’s effort to drive the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project across the six geo-political zones and mark its effective takeoff.
- Nanono to visit Cross River to tour agro-facilities
Nanono this week has also been scheduled to tour Cross River State alongside its governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, to visit important agriculture facilities in the state.
The Minister is expected to visit the state’s rice processing mill, cocoa process factory, among others.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA