Why Moringa is More Powerful Than an AK-47 A former Minister of State for Health, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace moringa farming due to its immense health benefits, economic potential, and employment opportunities. He urged federal, state, and local governments, alongside tertiary institutions, to invest in moringa farming to enhance revenue generation and national well-being. Speaking in Abuja after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among various stakeholders, including the Moringa Productions, Marketers and Farmers Welfare and Empowerment Association of Nigeria, Eden Moringa Productions, and Agreco Shift Limited, Hagher highlighted the plant’s potential in boosting the economy and creating wealth within universities and polytechnics. Health Benefits of Moringa: A Natural Remedy Hagher described moringa as a miracle plant, emphasizing its scientifically proven ability to cure multiple diseases. He argued that Nigeria’s reliance on chemical medicines should shift towards natural alternatives like moringa, which is more affordable and accessible. “Nigeria’s health policy needs a shift. We can no longer rely solely on chemical medications. Moringa farming offers a natural solution for a healthier population,” he stated. Moringa as an Alternative to Chemical Fertilizers Beyond its medicinal benefits, moringa also plays a role in sustainable agriculture. Hagher criticized the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which degrade soil quality and create dependence on foreign manufacturers. He encouraged the federal government to support moringa-based organic fertilizers to enhance food security and soil health. “We cannot continue to allow our soil to be damaged by imported chemical fertilizers. Moringa-based fertilizers offer a sustainable and productive alternative.” Moringa and Youth Empowerment The Chairman and CEO of Moringa Productions, Dr. Ashimashiga Akoloaga, reiterated the importance of youth involvement in moringa farming. The MoU, he explained, aims to empower young people by providing education on cultivating and producing moringa products that meet international standards. Akoloaga noted that Nigerian agricultural products often face rejection in global markets due to high levels of chemical substances. By switching to organic moringa fertilizers, farmers can improve their yield and meet international agricultural standards. Investing in Moringa for Economic Growth The President of the Middle Belt Youth Development Organisation, Chris Aba, also encouraged Nigerian investors to see the potential in moringa farming. He emphasized that moringa farming has the potential to drive socio-economic development by creating jobs, improving public health, and increasing export opportunities. Conclusion: Moringa as a National Asset Moringa farming presents a golden opportunity for Nigeria. By adopting this natural powerhouse, the country can boost healthcare, agriculture, and economic prosperity while ensuring a sustainable future. Governments, institutions, and private investors should take advantage of moringa’s immense potential to drive growth and development. Explore More on Organic Farming and Its Benefits Learn More About Moringa Benefits on WHO READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Poultry farmers in Nigeria face significant losses as unsold chicken stocks pile up after the holidays. Poor sales during Christmas and New Year highlight the urgent need for economic reforms and government support for the poultry industry. Nigerian poultry farmers are facing massive losses after experiencing poor sales of chicken during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Onallo Akpa, Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), highlighted the struggles of poultry farmers, citing economic challenges and reduced purchasing power as major factors that discouraged families from buying chicken. Preparation for the Festive Season Poultry farmers entered the festive season with high hopes, expecting robust sales as families traditionally include chicken in their holiday celebrations. Investments in broiler production skyrocketed, especially among small-scale backyard poultry farmers, despite the high costs of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and poultry feed. Dr. Akpa noted that almost every poultry producer, regardless of scale, stocked broilers in anticipation of high demand. “The belief was that, no matter the circumstances, families would prioritize buying chicken for Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he explained. Challenges Faced by Farmers Unfortunately, the reality fell short of expectations. Over 50% of the broilers produced for the holidays remained unsold due to the declining purchasing power of Nigerians. Families, struggling to meet basic needs, deprioritized poultry meat in favor of more affordable food options. “Poultry farmers are now grappling with unsold stock, which adds to their costs as they continue feeding the birds without corresponding sales,” Dr. Akpa revealed. This situation has left many farmers facing severe financial losses, with some contemplating shutting down their operations entirely. Impact on the Poultry Industry The poor sales during the holiday season have had devastating consequences for the poultry sector. The livelihoods of families who rely on small-scale poultry farming are being threatened, while confidence in the industry has taken a significant hit. Many farms are closing down due to unsustainable production costs and diminished demand. Dr. Akpa stressed that the cost of production, compounded by the economic hardship faced by consumers, has created a dire situation for the poultry industry. A Path Forward in 2025 Despite the challenges, Dr. Akpa remains hopeful. He emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the agricultural sector, particularly poultry farming, which employs over 25 million Nigerians directly and indirectly. “To revive the industry, there must be a focused effort on boosting the economy and addressing critical issues in agriculture,” Dr. Akpa suggested. He also called for policies that support nutrition and food security, highlighting the vital role of poultry in achieving these goals. Conclusion The struggles faced by Nigerian poultry farmers during the 2024 festive season highlight the urgent need for economic reforms and targeted interventions in the agricultural sector. Without swift action, the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and the nation’s food security could be at risk. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
