News in brief:
-Â Nigeria’s land development agency (NALDA) has achieved a significant increase in crop harvests across its farms through interventions like land recovery and integrated farm estates establishments.
– Its remarkable harvests, particularly in rice and maize, and ongoing activities in several states are expected to positively impact grain supply and various production sectors.
The National Land Development Agency (NALDA) has reported a surge in crop harvests across its farm estates in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This achievement marks a significant stride in its mission to bolster food security and revitalize rural agriculture in the country.
The agency’s interventions have culminated in remarkable harvests in both NALDA-managed farms and those operated in collaboration with private and public institutions.
Some of its efforts include recovery of abandoned lands, establishment of integrated farm estates, and provision of agricultural inputs to farmers.
Currently, harvesting, bagging, and storage of rice and maize are ongoing in Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and Oyo States. The harvests are anticipated to bolster the nation’s grain supply, positively impacting poultry feed and household goods production.
Additionally, maize harvesting is ongoing in NALDA farm estate, located in Galambi, in Bauchi State, a news story said. The farm anticipates a yield of over 150 metric tons as about 50 hectares of the 500-hectare farm were successfully cultivated, another testament to NALDA’s resilient agricultural endeavors.
Jalaludeen Muhammad Mu’azu, NALDA’s Bauchi State Coordinator, expressed optimism about the farm’s potential to revolutionise agricultural practices in the region. He noted that the farm’s success has already attracted the attention of surrounding farming communities. This he said, has generated enthusiasm for adopting NALDA’s mechanised approach.
The Galambi farm boasts modern machinery, including four tractors, two maize threshers, planters, boom sprayers, maize harvesters, and a finished grain warehouse. This mechanisation sets NALDA apart, being the only farm in the state with such advanced equipment.
With the link between maize and food security in Nigeria extending beyond direct consumption and into other sectors like poultry and other kinds of food production, the NADLA bumper harvest is good news.