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FG trains Castor farmers on new production technique

Published

3 years ago

August 19, 2021

The Federal Government has trained castor farmers drawn from the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano, on new production techniques and good agricultural practice.

The training, which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) was held on Thursday in Kano.

Mr Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the training was in an effort to attain food and self security, as well as improve the livelihood of castor farmers.

According to him, government’s creation of awareness on castor farming, was geared toward achieving set objectives.

He noted that castor was the most versatile plant, used for over 10 different industries for various products.

“The seed contains between 40 to 70 per cent oil, which is unique among vegetable oils because it is the only commercial source of a hydroxylated fatty acid.

“The demand for castor oil has kept on increasing in the international market assured by 700 users, ranging from medicine and cosmetics, to biodiesel, plastic and Lubricants,” he explained.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the value chain, has so far distributed 7,870,000kg of breeder foundation castor seeds as palliative to castor farmers aimed at cushioning the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Umakhihe who was represented by Mr Ukattah Bernard, Deputy Director, Tree Crops, noted that the capacity building, was coming at a crucial moment of the country’s recovery from a difficult spell of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the current administration was determined to turn around the nations economy, including agriculture, through its unwavering support for farmers and empowerment of women and youths.

The permanent secretary then enjoined participants to take advantage of the opportunity to address food insufficiency and food insecurity in the country.

The Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Prof. Muhammad Faguci, said the training which was timely, was also aimed at building the capacity of castor farmers, to improve their production.

According to him, Nigeria imports castor oil to the tune of about N30 billion annually, noting that the capacity building was one of the efforts to bridge the gap.

He noted that through the training, the country would be self sufficient in castor oil production and even export it for commercial purposes.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Prestigious Bridge Institute, Dr. Aisha Yusuf, urged the participants to ensure that their castorseeds were of the quality and standard that would compete in the global market.

Yusuf added that the workshop would improve the farmers’ technical know-how in castor farming and go ahead to improve their business.

The Chairman, Castor Farmers Association, Kano Chapter, Malam Muhammad Buhari, who spoke on behalf of the participants, commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for organising the training.

He promised that castor farmers in the state would make judicious use of the knowledge received from the training, as well retrain others.

Related Topics:Agric Agric Minster Farmers Nigeria

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Dangote Cement places premium on Community engagement, sustainability in Host communities

Published

10 hours ago

May 13, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Dangote Cement Plc, is prioritizing community engagement, empowerment, and environmental stewardship to sustain its upward trajectory,

The cement manufacturing firm said it believed that true progress is measured not only by economic prosperity but also by the holistic development of all stakeholders.

The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc Obajana, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, who disclosed this during a media chat in Obajana, said that the relationship between Dangote Cement and its host communities and other stakeholders transcends transactional exchanges as it is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

“The communities in which we operate are not just beneficiaries; they are our partners in progress,” he affirmed.

While reaffirming the company’s commitment to its host communities, Nawabuddin, who recently moved from the Ibese plant, emphasized that the company would collaborate with key stakeholders in Obajana to implement impactful projects.

He said crucial to the vision is the empowerment of residents through skills development and capacity-building initiatives. “We recognize the importance of equipping community members with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive landscape,” Nawabuddin asserted.

The Dangote Cement boss said this will enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among youth and women in the host communities.

With a steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, Nawabuddin outlined initiatives to strengthen the bond between Dangote Cement and the communities. He emphasized that the company views its host communities as partners.

“In terms of community engagement, we will hold meetings to explore avenues for supporting them, including opportunities for businesses and contracts. The communities are integral partners for us. Through dialogue with them, we aim to execute significant projects that will bring them lasting benefits,” he stated.

Nawabuddin also stressed the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in Dangote Cement’s operations. “We are custodians of the environment, and it is our duty to ensure that our activities leave a positive impact on the ecosystem,” he added.

Nawabuddin explained that in addition to socio-economic development is the importance of addressing security concerns in the host communities. He said through collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies and community-based initiatives, security risks will be mitigated, and the well-being of residents will be upheld.

“We are working closely with local authorities and community leaders to enhance security measures and create a safe and conducive environment for all,” he added.

News

Kano-Kaduna-Abuja Passengers Spent Night In Kaduna Due to Traffic Jam

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Some passengers traveling from Abuja to Kano found themselves stranded in Gwanin Gora town, Kaduna State, due to a traffic jam.

An eyewitness and passenger, Dr. Lado Bala, informed NIGERIAN TRACKER that they had been stranded since 3 AM with no indication of movement.

Regarding the cause of the traffic jam, Dr. Bala mentioned that it may be attributed to an unknown accident that occurred further down the road.

As of the time of reporting, no security agency had responded to clear the jam.

The Kano-Abuja-Kaduna Express is a major Nigerian road that links Northern and Southern Nigeria.

News

Nigeria Tracker Congratulates Sarkin Bai Mansur Mukhtar On Wedding of His Daughter Amina

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

The wedding ceremony

The management of Nigeria Tracker Communications, publishers of Nigerian Tracker online newspaper, has extended its congratulatory message to the family of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank ,Dr Mansur Mukhtar on the wedding of his daughter, Amina Mansur Mukhtar.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of the leading online newspaper, Abbas Yushau Yusuf.

The wedding fatiha and solemnization which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had in attendance family, friends, and well-wishers, with a dowry of $1000.

On behalf of the board of directors of Nigeria Tracker Communications, we wish the couple a happy married life and Allah’s blessings, and success to the entire Sarkin Bai of Kano’s family, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar.