Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

In a bid to bridge the over 50 million metric tonnes supply gap of yams, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has unveiled plans to increase national yam productivity from the current 10 metric tonnes to 30 metric tonnes yield per hectare. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja, during the National Yam Advocacy Summit convened by IITA, in partnership with the ministry, saying that Nigeria produces 67.2 million metric tonnes of yams yearly, accounting for 67% of global production. He said that despite this impressive output, the…

Experts have identified Nigeria’s rich biodiversity conservation and its ecosystems, as crucial to global environmental health and support key sectors like agriculture, water, health, tourism, and industrial development, but also zeroed in on the threats which they face. They all spoke during the Validation and Inauguration of Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Biodiversity Need Assessment Study on Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Use of Lowland Forest Mosaic Landscape in Ogun and Edo States. It was organised by the Nigeria National Park Service in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Global Environmental Facility-GEF 7 Project. The event, launched a GEF-7 Biodiversity project, is aiming to…

Food inflation hit a single digit of 8.89% in January of 2026, for the first time in a decade, in line with projections of analysts. This comes following an import waiver policy on select foods, which eases logistics bottlenecks and a steadier naira after years of sharp price increases that strained household budgets. The last time Nigeria recorded single-digit food inflation was in May 2015, when the price index stood at 9.78%. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the January reading was spearheaded by a monthly decline in prices of water yams, eggs, green peas, groundnut oil, soya beans,…

The Federal Government has launched 2,000 tractors to boost mechanised farming nationwide, and unveiled a N50 billion seed fund through the Bank of Industry to strengthen agricultural financing. The government also disclosed that it had mobilised N250 billion to support smallholder farmers in a renewed push to enhance food production, improve rural livelihoods, and drive economic growth across the country. Delivering his keynote address at the official flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative marked a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. He explained that…

When Nigerians talk about foods that are nutrient-dense, healing, and comforting, ewedu always makes the list. Popular among the Yoruba and enjoyed across the country, this green, silky soup made from jute leaves, is more than just delicious, it is a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and proven health benefits. If you’ve ever wondered why ewedu is so cherished, or why health experts increasingly recommend leafy vegetables for better well-being, this guide breaks it all down. What is ewedu? Ewedu, made from Corchorus olitorius (jute leaves), is a traditional Nigerian soup that is usually cooked with crayfish, locust beans (iru), and a little seasoning.…

Garden egg sauce is one of Nigeria’s most underrated traditional dishes. Simple, earthy, and deeply satisfying, this sauce celebrates the humble garden egg (African eggplant) and transforms it into a comforting meal enjoyed across many Nigerian homes. Whether paired with boiled yam, rice, plantain, or even eaten on its own, garden egg sauce is proof that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. Beyond its taste, this dish also offers impressive nutritional benefits that make it worthy of more attention. What is garden egg sauce? Garden egg sauce is a traditional Nigerian dish made primarily from garden eggs (African eggplant), onions, peppers,…

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has clinched the chairmanship position of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), drawing commendation from President Bola Tinubu. Kyari was unanimously elected to head the 49th Governing Council of IFAD, the organisation’s highest decision-making body responsible for setting policy direction and approving programmes and budgets. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the minister’s emergence as a vote of confidence in his leadership and the reforms underway in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, saying the election reflects…

South Africa’s agriculture sector closed 2025 on a historic high, with exports reaching a record US$15.1 billion, even as shipments to the United States fell sharply in the second half of the year. South Africa’s agricultural exports climbed to a record US$15.1 billion in 2025, marking a 10% year-on-year increase. The milestone was achieved despite steep declines in shipments to the United States following the imposition of new tariffs. Africa accounted for more than half of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the fourth quarter. The shift highlights a growing reliance on regional and emerging markets over traditional Western partners. The figure represents…

It’s not too early to get a head start on fresh veggies. The groundhog may have seen his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter, but it’s not too early to start thinking about a vegetable garden. February can be a good time to get your hands in the soil and plant some cool-season vegetables. Whether your area sees freezing cold snaps or mild, frost-free weather, you can set your garden in motion now. So, you can enjoy early harvests when warm weather arrives. You’ll need workable soil, and frost blankets and row covers can provide added protection. Here are the…

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria says Nigeria remains Africa’s second-largest onion producer after Egypt, with annual production estimated at 2.1 million metric tonnes. The National President of the association, Alhaji Aliyu Isah, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. Isah said, “Nigeria currently produces about 2.1 million metric tonnes of onions annually, with a value of approximately N1.17 trillion”. According to him, Nigeria is among Africa’s largest onion producers, second only to Egypt. Nigerian onions are exported across West and Central Africa, as well as to some European markets. He described…