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Nigeria : Improved weed control help farmers to record 27tons/ha
On-farm demonstrations in Ogun state, Nigeria under the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) managed Cassava Weed Management Project (CWMP) have produced average yields of 27 tons per hectare surpassing the national average of about 8 tons/ha.
The demos were conducted in 2016 in the three senatorial districts of Ogun states using an integrated weed control package developed by the IITA-CWMP.
Dr Patience Olorunmaiye, a scientist at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), while presenting the results at the Joint Quarterly Review Meeting of the project in Abeokuta, informed that the yield from the demonstration plots were impressive and a proof of concept that if farmers adopted improved weed management practices, they would be better off.
The highest yield from the demonstration farms was 32 tons/ha with 96 percent of the demonstration farms recording more than 20 tons/ha.
Also, the Principal Investigator of the IITA-CWMP, Prof. Friday Ekeleme said the results clearly show that weeds were a major factor limiting the potential of cassava in Africa.
In the last four years, the IITA-CWMP with funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made a bold decision to unravel the puzzle of weeds menace in cassava.
Working with a coalition of partners including the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, University of Agriculture Makurdi, the National Root Crops Research Institute, and extension partners; the team set up trials in the three agroecological zones of the country including the humid forest, derived savannah and the southern guinea savannah.
These trials led to the selection of safe and environmentally friendly herbicides with other agronomic practices that formed the package that was used in setting up the demos in Ogun and other states of Nigeria (Abia, Benue, and Oyo). Results from the other states are also being compiled for analysis.
Prof. Ekeleme further noted that the results from Ogun state was a thing of joy not only to the project team but also to the country at large.
He said the results indicated that the project was achieving one of its major objectives, which is to double the national average yield of cassava, generate wealth, and reduce the burden of weeding in cassava farming systems.
Grown by over 4.5 million people in Nigeria, cassava is a major staple contributing to food security and wealth of the nation. Although Nigeria is a major producer of the root crop accounting for over 54 million tons per annum, average yield per ha is low with weeds being fingered as a major block.
Researchers say farmers cannot grow cassava more than they can weed—a situation that limits farm size and subject farmers to perpetual penury.
Dr Alfred Dixon, a director with IITA and Project Leader for IITA-CWMP said the project would help Nigeria change the narrative of cassava production.
He called on the government of Nigeria to partner IITA in scaling up the findings of the project to millions of cassava farmers for national development and poverty reduction.
The Project Leader commended the Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM) in Oyo, Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM) in Ogun, Abia State Agricultural Development Program, Benue Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA), Ogun State Agricultural Development Program (OGADEP), and Oyo State Agricultural Development Program (OYSADEP) for their support in setting up the demonstrations across the states.
Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.
This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.
Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.
Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.
Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.
This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.
According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.
OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.
The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.
He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.
The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.
As Muslims globally observe Eid-el-Fitr, signifying the conclusion of the Ramadan fast, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called upon Nigerians to prioritise nation-building efforts during this festive period.
Oseni, in a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasised the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the nation’s development agenda.
He highlighted the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community solidarity.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us not forget the critical task of nation-building that lies before us. Nigeria’s progress depends on our ability to work together, transcend divisions, and build a cohesive society,” the lawmaker stated.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to set aside differences and focus on common goals that promote peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity.
Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Oseni encouraged citizens to actively participate in initiatives aimed at fostering national cohesion and development.
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