Corrected current copy

AGRICULTURAL PERFORMANCE SURVEY

OF

2010 WET SEASON

IN NASARAWA STATE

SEPTEMBER, 2010

EXECTUTVIE SUMMARY
The 2010 annual wet season evaluation survey for Nasarawa state was conducted from 22nd to 25th August by a team of 4 scientists drawn from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), National Institute of Meteorology (NIMET), Planning Policy Analysis and Statistics Development (PPASD) and National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) FRA. The objectives of the exercises were: To assess the weather situation (rainfall) as it affects crop and livestock production during the season. To evaluate the performance of crops and livestock during the wet season; To identify conditions affecting effective technology transfer within the season; To identify constraints to agricultural production; and To provide feedback on field situation and farmers problems to research institutions and policy makers. The participatory Rural Appraisal (PPR) methodology which incorporated the use of a structured questionnaire, interviews, focused group discussions and farm visits were used to source information. This is in addition to the questionnaire compiled by the ADP Management on agricultural performance Generally, the rains arrived at the normal time between March and April across the state. Farmers also reported the occurrence of intermittent dry spells, particularly between May and July, which led to replanting some of their crops such as rice, groundnut and melon crops in the Central zone. Rainfall amounts were slightly higher than in the previous year. As at the time of the survey in August 2010, the rainfall distribution and quantity were considered adequate for good crop production especially as there is hope for more rains up to the month of October. There were no major reported incidences of pest and disease outbreak as at the time of the study. Discussion with farmers indicates localized incidences of rodent attacks on maize and cassava in the Central zones. Farmers also reported an increase in occurrence of striga infestation on maize across the state.

The forecast for 2010 production output and the percentage difference between 2009 and 2010 are estimated to slightly increase for most crops in the state. Procurement and distribution of maize, rice, cowpea, and soybean seeds were undertaken by the state ADP. Seed input supplies from the relevant government agencies arrived late. Significant amounts of agrochemicals were reported to have been distributed by the ADP but most of the farmers indicated that they purchased their agro-chemicals in the open market. Fertilizer procurement and distribution is a critical issue requiring urgent government attention as the government supplies were not only grossly inadequate but often reaching the farmers too late for the cropping season. It would appear that the current procurement and distribution process has put farmers at a greater disadvantage. Most farmers had to buy large quantities from the open market at prices that are about one and a half times higher than from the official government chennels. It would appear that the current procurement and distribution process have potential to improve fertilizer supply particularly if the state ADP is allowed to play an active role. The ADP is supposed to be involved in fertilizer distribution at the state and local government levels, but was not deeply involved in the fertilizer allocation exercise. There were no widespread occurrence of pests and diseases reported for livestock in the state. There were however reported incidences of coccidiosis and New Castle diseases on local poultry but there were controlled by both government officials and farmers. There were also minor and localized reports of trypanosomiacis, helminthiasis, ecto and endoparasitic attacks on animal across the state. In general, conditions for rearing extensively managed animals (cattle, sheep, goats and local poultry) were favourable during the year and therefore marginal increases in population may be expected. The state government has twenty-eight (28) functional tractors which are inadequate for the state. The state however had 52 tractors contracted to the private sector under the PPP arrangement while local governments had about 39 tractors. Prices of some commodities between July 2009 and 2010 were compared. There was a general decrease in the average prices of all commodities except cassava tubers; Irish potato, melons, chicken, dry fish, pork and yam tubers.

There was a slight increase in the costs of production of major crops between 2009 and 2010 except cost of maize production which increased by 74%, while generally there was slight increase in the cost of farm operation such as fertilizer application, weeding and harvesting. The level of activities carried out by the ADP is commendable. The quantity and quality of information presented to the performance evaluation team is a reflection of the level of funding and support given to the ADP by the state government. Technologies being promoted through MTP include varietal introduction of cassava, cocoyam and sweet potato. Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme It is noteworthy and commendable that the state government had lunched the second phase of the Badakoshi agricultural scheme which is supposed to make farming attractive to many people in the state. This facilitates inputs, including low interest loan for farmers. In line with this the state government had formalized a trade agreement with an international organization for exportation of yams tubers and some other food products overseas, and yams are already being exported by the state. government will not relent its effort in this direction. It is hoped the state

ACRONYMS
ADP APS ASC BES EA FDA FDF FNT IAR IAR & T LCRI LGA MANR MOP MTP MTRMs NA NAERLS NASC NBS NCRI NFRA NPFS NIFOR NIMET NRCRI NSS OFAR PPASD PRSD RID RTEP SPAT SSP T&V ZEO Agricultural Development Programme Agricultural Performance Survey Agro Service Centers Block Extension Agent Extension Agent Federal Department of Agriculture Federal Department of Fisheries Forth Nightly Training Institute for Agricultural Research Institute for Agricultural Research & Training Lake Chad Research Institute Local Government Area Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Muriate of Potash Management Training Plot Monthly Technology Review Meetings Not Available National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison services National Agricultural Seed Council National Bureau of Statistics National Cereal Research Institute National Food Reserve Agency National Programme on Food Security National Institute for Oil Palm Research Nigerian Meteorological Agency National Root Crop Research Institute National Seed Service On Farm Adaptive Research Planning Policy Analysis and Statistics Department Planning Research and Statistics Department Rural Infrastructure Development Root and Tuber Expansion Programme Small Plot Adoption Techniques Single Supper Phosphate Training and Visit Zonal Extension Officer

Table of Contents Contents Preface Acronyms Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Summary . Table of Contents Methodology . Rainfall Situation Farm Inputs . Page .

Results and Discussion

Crops Pests and Diseases Crop Production Estimates Livestock Fisheries . . . . . . . .

Agricultural Mechanization . Grain Reserve . Commodity Prices ADP Activities Training .

Problems of Extension Services Problems Needing Research . Conclusion and Recommendations Team Members . .

Non-Governmental Agricultural Organization in Extension Services

1.0

INTRODUCTION

Nasarawa state is located between lat.7 11 N and Long.5 22 and 7 respectively in the north-central zone of Nigeria. The state lies within the guinea savanna zone of Nigeria which has some of the most fertile soils in the whole of Nigeria. Nasarawa State is bounded in the north by Kaduna State, in the west by the Abuja Federal Capital Territory, in the south by Kogi and Benue States and in the East by Taraba and Plateau States. With a total land area of 27,862.01 square kilometers Nasarawa State has two seasons, the wet and dry season. Nasarawa state is a highly agrarian state with a large percentage of its populace engaged in farming and agro-allied activities. There are many farm produce from the state notably yam, Melon, Rice, Cassava, Groundnut, Soya beans, Guinea corn, Millet, Beniseed, Fish and Rice. METHODOLOGY There were two approaches i. Data collection from the ADP in which case a questionnaire was sent ahead of time to the ADP Management to complete on agricultural performance in the state. ii. Using the RRA approach, some farmers were interviewed on their agricultural performance during the season. For this purpose, two of the zones were selected and then two (2) LGAs per zone were selected making a total of 4 LGAs per state. Then five (5) farmers per LGA were interviewed after a focused group interview/discussion. The sampling frame-work is as shown below. ZONE Southern Zone Central Zone LGAs Obi Keana Wamba Kokona TOTAL village Obi Keana Wamba Ganaku No of farmers Interviewed 5 5 5 5 20

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 1. RAINFALL SITUATION Generally, the rainfall arrived earlier in the Central zone than the other zones and than the previous year. Farmers reported the occurrence of intermittent dry spells between May and July which led to replanting of Maize and ground nut. Excessive heat was also reported and this caused yam seed to rot. The rainfall pattern shows variation between localities. Rainfall was reported in the state as early as January 2010 as shown on table 1 below. As at the end of August 2010, the total rainfall was slightly higer than that of 2009.

Table 1: Mean Total rainfall distribution (mm) in Nasarawa State Months/indicator 2009 2010 % Change (+-) January 8.6 +100 February 0 March 27.8 +100 April 188.1 78.8 -58.1 226.5 May 320.7 +29 349.6 June 278.3
-25.6

July August Sub-Total September October November December Year Total

2. FARM INPUTS

389.2 420.4 1618.8 291.8 481 66.8

363 6408 1718.1

-7.2 +220.4 +100

The Nasarawa state government through the ADP procured Maize, Rice, Sesame and hybrid maize seeds (Table: 2a) which the ADP distributed to farmers at affordable prices. However, out of the 28,500 tree Seedlings procured by the ADP (Citrus, Mango, Guava, Oil-palm, Coconut and Pawpaw) only about 9,300 have been sold out to the farmers. The ADP also procured 166 liters of

Insecticides, 2,335 liters of herbicides, sprayers, water pumps and other agrochemicals for distribution to farmers.

Table2a: Use of farm inputs through Government (ADP, MANR, Framers Supply Company ETC) Input Qty Procured Qty Adequacy Affordability Source (Specify) MT Distributed Yes/ No Yes/ No Seeds Maize 6 5 Yes Yes Out-growers Rice 2 2 Yes Yes Out-growers Hybrid Maize 8 8 Yes Yes Premiere seeds Sesame 0.9 0.9 Yes Yes Out-growers Cuttings Cassava Pesticides Insecticides 166 liters 32.25 Liters Yes No C-zard Herbicides 2,335 Liters 1,582 Liters Yes No Candel, Saro Agro1,621 liters 1,621 Liters Yes Yes NERICA chemicals Boost Xtra 350 Liters 350 Liters Yes Yes NERICA Seedlings Citrus 10,000 2,000 No Yes NIHORT Mango 5,000 1,000 No Yes NIHORT Guava 5,000 2,000 No Yes NIHORT Oil palm 3,000 2,000 No Yes NIHORT Coconut 500 300 No Yes NIHORT Pawpaw 5,000 2,000 No Yes NIHORT The Nasarawa State government procured and distributed 540MT of NPK and 6,840MT of Urea (Table 2b) to the farmers at an average price of N1 800/bag. The quantity was inadequate and the distribution was mainly through the ward level. However it was found in the open market at very high price of N5,000/bag. Total fertilizer requirement of the State is put at 30,000MT if each farming family must get 5 bags of each kind. The only fertilizer plant in the state, that is the Nasarawa State Fertilizer blending plant with an install capacity of 40MT/hour is currently non-functional. Farmers accessibility to credit in Nasarawa State has improved through the state government BADAKOSHI scheme where a total of 1,700 farmers benefited for the year 2010 farming season. Table 2b. Farm inputs: fertilizers

Type NPK Urea SSP Total

Qty Procured Qty by Govt. Distributed 540 MT 6840 MT 7,380 540MT 6,840 MT 7,380

Fertilizer requirement of farmers in the state No of Farm families 2,160 NPK 540 MT 27,360 Urea 6840 MT SSP 29,520 10 30,000 MT

3 Crop pests and disease Striga infestation on maize and Sorghum was widely reported in all the zones of the state, about 40% of Maize plant and 35% of sorghum was affected. Ion toxicity on Rice was reported in the Western and Central zones of the state, the severity was described as light affecting about 20% of the crop. Light cases of bacteria blight on Cassava were reported in the Southern zone (Table 3). Control measure was taken against the striga by the application of ACROS 97 Tzee. For the ion toxicity in Rice resistant variety like Witta 4 was used. The introduction of TMS variety of Cassava was used as a control measure for the bacteria blight. Table 3. Pest diseases and natural hazards on crops Crop/ type of Location Severity (light, disease moderate and heavy) Maize / Striga Cuts across the Generally state moderate Millet / Smut Sorghum / Striga Across the state Moderate Rice ion Toxicity Rodents Cassava/ bacteria blight Yam Cocoa Southern zone Light 20% Introduction of TMS varieties Western and Light Central zones

Estimated loss in Control measure yield due to the (s) undertaken disease 40% ACROS 97 Tzee 35% 10% Use of Witta 4 tolerant variety

10

Citrus

CROP PRODUCTION ESTIMATES 2009 AND FORECAST FOR 2010 Area Cultivated and Crop Production Estimates For 2010

The data for the computation of the area cultivated and crop production were provided by the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme for the year 2009. This was based on the 2009 cropped Area Yield survey (CAYS) result. The forecast for the land area cultivated and the production estimate for the year 2010 were made by the team and the State ADP. The area cultivated and the total production estimate for each crop in 2010 were divided by the cropped area and production data in 2009 to find the percentage change between 2010 and 2009. However the estimated land area cultivated for 2010 was generated by taking the validated data for the Nasarawa State area cultivated in 2009 that was made available by the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) and multiplied by the percentage change as shown in the Table. In the same vain the estimated production figure for each of the crops were determined by taking the validated production estimate for 2009 from NFRA and multiplying by the percentage change between 2010 and 2009 to arrive at the forecast for 2010 as shown in Table 4 The specific details for each crop based on the field survey of August 2010 are enunciated below. Melon This Crop is the most widely grown crop in Nasarawa State currently with an estimated production area of .11million but this is 4% less than the previous year. The expected production forecast for melon crop this year is 0.09 million MT SORGUM Sorgum is one the crops that is highly grown in Nasarawa State with an estimated production area of .1million hectares and has an estimated increase of about 1% from the previous year. The expected production forecast for 2010 is 0.15million MT with an increase of about 2% when compared with 2009

11

YAM Yam is a staple food in Nasarawa State and it is one of the most widely grown crops in Nasarawa State. The estimated production area is about 0.098 million hectares and this has an estimated increase of about 3%.when compared with the previous year 2009.The expected production forecast for 2010 is about 2.1million MT. Table 4: Estimated cultivated areas (ha), outputs and yield (tons) of major crops in __State in 2009 and forecast for 2010 (For top ten most important crops in the state) Estimated % Production % Crops Hectares (000 Change (000MT) Change ha) 2009 2010 2009 2010 T Yam 95.41 98.27 3 2057.11 2098.25 2 Cassava 70.93 72.35 2 1034.58 1065.63 2 Cocoyam 94.34 97.17 3 53.57 54.64 2 S. Potato 12.09 15.72 3 132.73 135.38 2 Maize 76.36 78.65 3 157.65 162.38 3 Rice 77.35 78.90 2 137.66 139.04 1 Cowpea 94.34 97.17 3 53.57 54.64 2 Millet 25.04 25.29 1 37.24 44.67 2 Okra 19.45 18.95 -3 108.64 106.55 -2 Sorgum 98.78 99.77 1 149.47 152.46 2 Groundnut 62.79 64.05 2 97.46 98.43 1 Melon 110.1 105.2 -4 8 8 88.94 87.96 -1 Beniseed 57.24 59.53 4 48.58 50.04 3

OTHER CROPS Field observation and submission from the ADP indicate increases in both land area cropped and production output with the exception of crops like melon and okro that showed a decline in both areas cropped and production. This could be explained due to the fact that these were affected by the dry spells because the crops involved are early crops. However the general assessment of crop performance based on the field visits, discussions with farmers local and state government officials indicates a good harvest due to current favourable

12

conditions and awareness on input. This increase is dependent on the current favourable rain extending to September or even October 2010. MAJOR PLANTATIONS The team did not cover plantations in Nasarawa State however the record submitted by State showed a plantation owned by the State government that has a total holding of 1,800 hectares covered by Eucalyptus, Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea established 1979/1982 (Table 4b)

Table 4b: Major Plantations in Nasarawa State Crop Ha Eucalyptus Tectona grandis Gmelina or arberea
5

Ownership Government

Remark Established in 1979-1982

Total 1,800ha

Total 1,800

LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES

LIVESTOCK The State is identified with high production of livestock. This could be attributable to the suitable and conducive weather for grazing and the provision of vaccines and other inputs by the State government as shown in table 5a. There was no report of any disease in cattle this year, however the report showed that sheep/goat suffered from PPR across the state and were treated with vaccines. The poultry farmers passed through an untold hardship in the hands of pests and diseases. The following were significantly noticeable among the poultry farmers across the state, the Newcastle, Gomboro, Coccidiosis, F chorela, F Typhod and Ecto and Endo parasites. (Table 5b) Table 5a. Livestock production inputs 2009 and 2010 Type of input Qty procured Qty Distributed 2009 2010 2009 Broiler chick 1,000 1,500 1,000 Broiler starter 50,000kg 50,000kg 50,000kg Broiler finisher 60,000kg 60,000kg 60,000kg Vaccine 500vial 500vial 500vial poultry Broilers 60,000kg 60,000kg 60,000kg finisher Vaccines 500 vial 500 vial 500 vial (Bolt) Remarks 2010 1,800 50,000kg 60,000kg 500vial 60,000kg 500 vial

13

Recommend

800 liters

800 liters

800 liters

800 liters

Table 5b. Livestock pests and diseases

Livestock/ type of Location of total Severity (light, No of % disease incidence stock of moderate and Animal animal heavy) Affected No vaccinated treated Remark No culled due to infection

Cattle

Sheep Goats PPR

and Across the State Varied Varied Varied 500 Varried No record as most farmers are illiterates

POULTRY Newcastle Gamboro F cholera F.typhod Coccidiosis Ectoparasites

Endoparasites Layers Pullets Broilers Chicks

Across state Across state Across state Across state Across state Across state
Across state

the Varied the Varied the Varied the Varied the Varied the Varied
the Varied

Varied Varied Varied Varied Varied Varied

Varied

Varied Varied Varied varied Varied varied

Varied

2m 2m 2m 2m 1.5m 1.5m
1.7m

Varied Varied Varied Varied Varied Varied Varied

14

LIVESTOCK POPULATION AND COMMERCIAL FARMS Nasarawa State has large population of cattle of over 2.5 million, sheep/goat over 4million and the poultry accounts for about 3 million (table 5c). Commercial farm holdings exist in cattle, sheep/goat and poultry with a total number of 25 for cattle, 60 for sheep/goat and 30 for poultry. The average holdings were not recorded.

Table 5c: Livestock population and commercial farms in the state

Livestock Cattle Dairy Sheep Goats Poultry Improved Backyard Total population 2.5m 3.5m 450,000 3.0m Population of commercial stock 2.0m 3.0m 4,0m 3m No of commercial farms and average holdings No of farms 25 30 30 30 No of animals dead Remarks average herd of flock size 50 100 100 200 Awareness Creation by Extension Services

CATTLE The cost of fattening bull is becoming extremely very high. However it is commendable to note that the Nasarawa state government has mapped out a grazing area/route for the Nomadic cattle rearers. What is worrisome is that the farmers still encroach on the grazing areas due to the high fertility caused by the manure fertilizer produced by the cattle. SHEEP and GOAT: The cost of fattening is becoming extremely very high POULTRY: Farmers still do not pay attention to use of vaccination and management practices PIGS: The cost of feed is very high as most farmers feed their pigs with staple food . Table 6d. Fisheries inputs 2009 and 2010 Type of input Qty Procured 2009 2010 Qty distributed 2009 2010 Remarks

15

N.A

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

Table 6b. Fisheries pests and disease Type of fish Pest or Location disease incidence N.A. N.A. N.A.

of Severity

Estimated losses (%) N.A.

Remarks

N.A.

Indicate problems encountered with pest and disease control in fisheries There is no reported pest and disease of economic significance in the state Fisheries Production It is remarkable and worthy to note that the Fishery sub sector is getting attention in the State unlike the previous years. It is to be further noted that the awareness in Aquaculture in the state is becoming high and that the state produced about 82mt of Fish though Aquaculture and 7,500mt through Artisanal method in 2010 (Table 6c) Table 6c: Fish Production in 2009 compared with 2010 Production 2009 Production 2010 Artisanal 8,000MT 7,500MT Aquaculture 70MT 82MT Remarks There is great Awareness in fish Farming in the State

6. AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION

16

Government Tractor Availability In 2010 A total of 29 functional tractors (MF,STEYR,MAHWDRA,NEW HOLLAND AND EICHER) were available in 2010 for agricultural activities (Table 7a). The area cultivated by the functional tractors was 29 hectares as was reported by the state. However the farmers interacted with in the field reported that they did not see the tractors in the reporting year 2010.

Table 7a. Government tractor availability, 2009 compared to 2010 Type of Functional tractor and capaciy 2009 MF 75 HP 4 STEYR 64 HP 2010 4 14 Non functional distributed 2009 2010 Qty Hectarag e cultivated 2009 Total 2010 4 14

MAHWDRA 5 55 HP NEW 3 HOLLAND 75 HP EICHER 55 2 HP Total

5 3 2

1 1

5 4 3 30

PRIVATE TRACTOR AVAILABILITY IN 2010 The private tractor services had 112 functional tractors available for use in the reporting period. This number is more than double compared with the 52 they had last year table 7b. The farmers did not use them either that the prices were prohibitive or that the awareness was not there. Table 7b. Private tractor availability, 2009 compared to 2010 Type of Functional Non functional Qty Estimated tractor and distributed Total number 17

Hectarage cultivated

capacity 2009 Malinda 60 30 HP MF 435 75 7 HP New 13 Holland 55 HP Tafe 60 Hp 2 Total 52

2010 _ 60 _ _ 60

2009

2010 _

2010 30 67

2009

2010

_ _ -

13 2 112

RATE OF TRACTOR HIRING SERVICES The unit cost of hiring a government owned tractor for ploughing fadama, ploughing upland, harrowing upland, ridging, haulage per day haulage per bag was N2000/ha (Table 7c.). There was no available data for hiring services for the private tractors. Table 7c. Rate of tractor hiring services Farm Operation Government rate (N/ha) 2009 2010 Ploughing 2000/ha 2000/ha Fadama Ploughing 2000/ha 2000/ha Upland Harrowing 2000/ha 2000/ha upland Ridging 2000/ha 2000/ha Haulage per 2000/ha 2000/ha day Haulage per 2000/ha 2000/ha bag) Spraying 4

Private rate (N/ha) 2009 2010 No Fixed Rate No Fixed Rate

Problems encountered with tractor hiring services in 2010 (i) No available funds for servicing/ maintenance of tractors (ii) No genuine spare parts (iii) No adequate/ qualified maintenance personnel (iv) No adequate/ qualified tractor operators

ANMAL TRACTION

18

The state has no report about animal traction; however it was stated that the farmers have not adapted the technology apparently because of the nature of their soil. 8. 8a. FARM MANAGEMENT Land Preparation

Land clearing, ploughing and ridging in 2010 recorded zero increases over the costs in 2009 (Table 8a) while costs of other operations rose between 20 25%. Similarly, cost of land ploughing per day and cost of fertilizer application per day remained the same as those of 2009 (N800 and N200/day respectively) while the cost of other operations per day rose between 4 25% (table 8a). Table 8a: Labour cost of farm operations in 2009 and 2010 Farm Operation Per ha % 2009 Land preparation Land clearing Land ploughing Land ridging Planting Fertilizer application Weeding Crop Spraying Harvesting (list crop) Others (list them) 5,000 10,000 6,000 2,000 2,000 5,000 2,500 5,000 2010 5,000 10,000 6,000 2,500 2,500 6,000 3,000 6,000 0.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 25.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 Per Day/ Man hour 2009 2010 500 800 500 200 200 500 1,250 500 700 800 600 250 200 600 1,500 40.0 0.0 20.0 25.0 0.0 20.0 4.0 -

Factors influencing availability of labour in 2010 This depended on the type of job to be done and the ability of the employers to negotiate the amount to be paid. Farm equipment not available locally that could reduce dependence on labour These were harvesting and processing machinery. ESTIMATED COST OF PRODUCTION FOR TEN MAJOR CROPS IN 2009 AND 2010 The cost of production in 2010 were relatively high compared to 2009, the highest being maize which has a percentage of 74.96% increasing from N56,900, to N99,550 per hectare. This was followed by sorghum which has a percentage increase of 23.82% increasing from N48,200 to N59,680. Cost of production of rice recorded the least with a percentage increase of 2.35% and increased from N119,000 to N121,800 in the period under review (Table 8b). 19

Table 8b. Estimated production cost of ten major crops in 2009 and 2010 Crop Cost per ha % Change 2009 2010 Maize 56,900 99,550 74.96 Rice 119,000 121,800 2.35 Yam 569,900 619,800 8.76 Sorghum 48,200 59,680 23.82 Cassava 67,700 78,560 16.04 Sweet potato 82,100 95,250 16.02 Groundnut 58,700 71,600 21.98 Beniseed 49,500 55,780 12.67 Melon 44,200 52,200 18.10 Cocoyam 56.200 65,760 17.01 9 Grain Reserve Policy The state has a grain reserve policy of buying buffer stock to address the food scarcity problem and stabilizing prices in the market at the period of scarcity. However this has not been implemented in the state for the past two years. The capacity of the three silos owned by the state government are altogether 3000Mt that is 1000MT each (Table 9a). The grain reserves are located at Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi .The State received 800MT of sorghum and 200Mt of millet from the Federal government in 2009 (Table 9c) but has not received any grain in 2010.The state on her own has not purchased any buffer stock since the past two years. Table 9a: Install capacity and quantity of grains stored in 2009 and 2010 by the State Location Reserve Lafia Akwanga Keffi Total of Installed capacity (MT) 2009 1000Mt 1000Mt 1000Mt 3000MT Ownership (FGN or State) 2010 State State State Quantity Stored 2008/09 Nil Nil Nil of Grains Remarks The state Has not Purchased Buffer stock since the past two years.

2009/2010 Nil Nil Nil

Table 9b. Quantity of grains stored and distributed by the State in 2009 and 2010 Type of Grain Qty Stored 2008/09 2009/10 20 Qty State 2009 Distributed Selling Price (N/ MT) 2010 2009 2010

Table 9c: Grains received from Federal Government in 2009 and 2010 Type of grain Qty Received ( MT) 2009 2010 Sorghum 800Mt Nil Millet 200Mt Nil

Ways the grain reserve strategy can be made more effective a) b) c) d) Construction of silos Purchase of enough grains Early release and distribution of grains to alleviate hunger (between June and July) The government could encourage farmers to produce grains for purchase for this scheme by assuring them of minimum guaranteed price (mgp)

10. Commodity prices Table 10 shows the urban market prices of food commodities for 2009and 2010 for January and July. For the month of January dry fish recorded the highest price of N1,015.23 in 2009 and N1445.36 in 2010 having a percentage price change of 42.36% The food commodity that has the lowest price in January 2009 and 2010 was yam tuber with a percentage change of -9.31% and next to it is cassava which goes to prove that Nasarawa is a tuber state. In the month of July cassava tuber has the lowest price with N15.42 in 2009 and N29.57 in 2010 and this was followed closely by yam at N53.92 and 73.93 N73.76 in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This represents a percentage of 27.07% and 91.76% on cassava and yam respectively. In the month of January highest positive change in price was recorded for Irish potato at 104.84% and 76.78% in 2009 and 2010 respectively. It is worthy to note that there were negative price changes in the following crops yam tuber 9.31,cassava 18.48soybean 13.49,sweetpotato ----13.54, goat meat 3.98, mutton 52.65, egg(crate) 26.31% and fresh fish15.40%. In July 2010 the following commodities recorded

21

negative price changes-millet, maize, milled, rice, yam flour, cassava (gari) cassava (flour),cowpea, sweet potato, mutton and fresh fish. From the ongoing it is important that government should assist the farmers to have good prices relative to the prices in other urban areas of the country for them to be in farming business. Moreover inputs should be made available in good time and farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives to approach their issue collectively and have stronger bargaining power.

Table 10: Urban Market prices of major commodities in 2009 and 2010 Commodities January Prices July Prices Jan 09 Jan 10 % Change July 09 2. Millet 79.30 94.41 19.05 71.57 3. Maize 65.86 69.03 4.81 65.62 4. Milled rice 117.43 112.59 4.12 164.84 5. Yams (Tubers0 41.51 37.68 --9.31 53.92 6. Yam (flour) 55.37 68.30 31.12 77.50 7. Cassava (tuber) 47.67 38.86 --18.48 15.42 8. Cassava (Gari) 74.43 97.43 30.90 96.56 9. Cassava (Flour) 45.24 56.54 24.98 68.24 10. Cowpea 87.73 102.32 16.63 112.60 11. Melon. 200.71 214.12 6.68 151.35 13. Soybean 77.63 67.15 --13.49 85.88 14. S/potatoes 59.87 51.76 --13.54 87.42 15. Irish potatoes 48.98 100.33 104.84 60.00 17. Goat meat 450.08 432.18 --3.98 500.75 18. Pork 308.67 356.18 15.06 399.38 19. Mutton 498.32 235.97 --52.65 437.50 20. Chicken 660.42 265.10 --59.85 654.17 21. eggs (crate) 424.68 330.97 --26.31 434.41 22. Fresh fish 356.10 301.25 --15.40 316.49 24. Dry fish 1,015.23 1445.36 42.36 19059.2 11. AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ACTIVITIES

July 10 70.56 64.66 121.62 73.93 73.76 29.57 94.51 56.16 124.66 282.39 100.00 51.15 106.07 575.41 509.28 369.67 860.00 -315.02 1364.79

%Change --1.41 --1.46 --26.21 27.07 --4.8 91.76 --2.12 --17.70 --10.05 86.58 16.44 --41.49 76.78 14.91 27.52 -15.50 31.46 ---0.46 30.55

Funding of the Agricultural Development Projects is still a critical among the ADPs in the country however it is commendable to note that Nasarawa state government is of the very few that tries to meet its financial obligations by contributing a reasonable percentage (Table 11a). Nevertheless it

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is desired that they pay up the outstanding counterpart fund in National program on food security as to be able to complete the on-going and attract future projects. Table 11a. Funding Status Source of funds Target State Govt. FGN IFAD Salaries/allowances 150,985,000 Sustainability 24,000,000 Overhead 2,200,000 RUFIN(counterpart) -NPFS(counterpart) -STAFFING SITUATION this is equally commendable that the staff from the target (table 11b). Table 11b. Staffing Situation (Technical) in 2009 and 2010 Category 2009 Target Actual % Directors 2 2 100.0 Deputy Directors -2 Assistant Directors --Zonal Managers 3 3 100.0 Subject Matter Specialists 24 23 95.8 Block Extension 26 26 100.0 Supervisors Block Extension Agents 26 26 100.0 Extension Agents 156 156 100.0 /Facilitators Enumerators 45 45 100.0 Fadama Facilitators 52 52 100.0 2010 Actual 2 2 -3 23 26 26 156 45 52

2009 Actual

Target

2010 Actual

150,985,000 100.0 24,000,000 100.0 1,400,000 63.6 ---

79,565,000 12,000,000 1,500,000 12,000,000 74,800,000

79,565,000 12,000,000 1,500,000 12,000,000 54,800,000

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 73.3

Nasarawa state agricultural development project met her

target in almost all the targets set except for subject matter specialist which a shortfall of only one

Target 2 --3 24 26 26 156 45 52

100.0 95.8 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES The Extension activities in the state is highly virile except of cause that more effort is desired in increasing the ratio of extension staff to farmers (Table 11c). Table 11c. Extension Activities Performance 2009 Indicators Target Achieved No of farm families 180,433 180,433 No of farmers groups 20 28 23 2010 Target 180,433 39

% 100.0 140.0

Achieved 180,433 20

% 100.0 51.3

formed No of Visits to 26,304 21,990 83.6 26,304 17,536 66.7 farmers No of Zones 3 3 100.0 3 3 100.0 No of MTRMs 12 12 100.0 12 12 100.0 /TQRMs conducted No of FNTs 26 26 100.0 26 16 61.5 Conducted No of OFAR trials 60 57 95.0 60 48 80.0 conducted No of farmers trained 716 716 100.0 716 716 100.0 No of farmers field 27 27 100.0 27 27 100.0 schools Extension/farmer 1:800 1:1156 69.2 1:800 1:1156 69.2 ratio FADAMA ACTIVITIES The Nasarawa state government should put more effort in meeting up with the FADAMA activities as this will create an all year round activities in the farming system. There was no record on target and achievement for 2010 in hectares cultivated. No information on channels constructed, number of wash bores (Table 11d). More farmers should be encouraged to use the FADAMA to engage the youths not to rely on only rain fed agriculture. Table 11d. Fadama Activities Activities 2009 Target Hectare of fadama cultivated by -farmers Channels constructed -No of Wash bores -No of tube wells -No of fadama Users Associations 20 No of Water pumps distributed 36 No of Village mechanics trained -11e 1 2 3 4 5 6 2010 Target ----24 21 --

Achieved 48.75 ---28 15 --

Achieved % ----15 21 --

140.0 41.6 -

62.5 100

List of Technologies currently under OFAR Comparative evaluation of groundnut varieties Economic use of minimum tillage practices on maize Sweet potatoes varietals evaluation Storage effectiveness using non chemical bags (forcereds) Use of organic/inorganic fertilizer on yam ( complementary use) Effectiveness of different levels of maize ofal in poultry diet

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7 8 9

Comparison of clarias and heterobranchus fish Spp Different preservation methods of fresh vegetables Nerica Rice Varietals Evaluation ( Upland)

Major problems of OFAR in 2009 and 2010 Inadequate and timely release of funds 11f Inadequate field staff List technologies currently being extended to farmers through MTP Yam miniset Technology Maize SG 2000 Approach Cassava Varietal trials

Major problems of MTP in 2010 -Late release of fertilizer -11g --Scarcity and high cost of fertilizer in the open market despite Government subsidy Problems associated with farm Radio/ TV Broadcasts Competitiveness in Air Time High Cost of Airtime

11h Agricultural Shows/Field Days a. b. c. d. Agricultural Shows conducted in 2010 Field Days conducted in 2010 Problems associated with agricultural shows Problems associated with field days i. ii. iii. Mobilizing farmers for the activities Funding Other logistics involved nil Nil Wrong timing (October)

12. TRAINING 12a. Training needs for year 2010 and 2011 S/No 1 Training Subject Matter Extension Communications for subject matter Category of personnel in need of training SMS Number of personnel 2010 18 2011 18

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specialists( SMS) Field data collection and record keeping for village Extension agents

VEA 40

80

13

Problem of extension services -Shortage of mobility, inadequate staff and low motivation in terms of allowances Problems needing research (a) Crops * * * Control measure for striga on maize/ sorghum and millet Control of iron toxity in rice Control of early yam senescence

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(b) (c) (d) (f) 15

Livestock Non conventional feed stuff research on poultry, Ruminants and Non Ruminants Fisheries Mortality of fish at the age of hatching is high, packaging and marketing of table fish Agro-Forestry/Agro Processing Control of mango mealy bug disease Extension Translating technology into local languages (Hausa) List of major problems of the ADP in order of priority Untimely and inadequate funds for projects Inadequate staffing in key areas inadequate office accommodation

16 17

Research recommendation with which farmers have problems Control of leaves senescence in yam Any general comments/problems during the current cropping season? Dry spell, flood and late release and inadequate government fertilizers to farmers

List problems for priority research 18 NGOs in agricultural extension Type of activities and Location covered states covered Ikposogye Agric extension Obi Area Training 7 agape Drive Empowering and Lafia Millionaire Qtrs Lafia Extension Services 26 Table 18a. NGO in Extension in the State Name of Organization address and E-mail YMCA Project Agape

GTZ FARMNET

Nasarawa Stata Community and cooperateves Lafia No 1 AL Makura Street P O Box 702 Lafia Farmnet Nig

Empowering/Training Lafia of farmers group Empowering Farmers Nasarawa State group and individuals with information technology and management services

Nature of Relationship of NGO with ADP (b) Is there any linkage between the ADP and these (NGOs) Organization? If yes give details Collaborating in farmers training, organizing farmers into groups, organization of field days and linkages to credit sources. 19 Performance of crop in the field Zone/LGA Major Visited crop/Mixtures observed Obi Maize Yam Cassava Keana Cassava Yam Rice Sorghum Wamba Maize Yam Cassava Sorghum Kokona Yam Cassava Rice Sorghum Maize Millet

Condition of crop +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++

Pests and disease observed None None Striga None Millet

Remaarks Perform well Perform well Perform well Perform well

* = Condition of crops, livestock and fisheries + = Stunned Growth or Poorly Established; ++ = Fair; +++ = Good; ++++ = Outstanding Conclusions and recommendations Conclusion

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The rains commenced in good time between April and May. Although there were some dry spells, only few crops were replanted. These did not lead to replanting of crops. Most of the farmers obtained their inputs from the open market. Incidences of striga on maize and millet smut was reported in some parts of the state. In spite of all these a good harvest is expected for most of the crop raised in the state. Recommendations 1 2 3 4 5 Timely distribution and subsidization of Agricultural input such as fertilizer, Herbicides etc Establishment of rural financial institutions to enable small scale farmers access to loans at concessionary interest rate Provision of rural Infrastructures such as road, water and health facilities to make life easy at the rural areas and stem rural-urban drift. Youth Empowerment for enhanced Agricultural productivity . There is critical need for the state to collaborate with NIMET and other relevant Agencies to provide better quality rainfall forecast in the state. This will greatly assist the State in recommending appropriate farming practices and crops to the farmers. The State should partner with NIMET to develop an annual agricultural calendar as it is done in some other states of the Federation. 6 The increasing incidences of striga infestation on cereals should be addressed by the Researchers and other relevant organizations. Report written by: Prof Adegbehin J O NAERLS (Team leader) Dr James A Adamu NIMET Mr. Umezurike Onyekaozuru Department of Planning Policy Analysis and Statistics FMA&RD Miss. Nkechinyere Ike NFRA

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