• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CG Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO…

      WTO Lauds Nigeria Customs for Embracing Global Trade Standards

      Nigeria, Rwanda Sign Landmark Tax Treaty to Boost Cross-Border Investment

  • National
    • For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

      Nigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah Saudi…

      IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

      Police Rescue Trafficked Ghanaian Youth in Abuja

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

      Bashir Adeniyi: A Roadmap to Global Customs Leadership By Tahir Ahmad

      Arewa Discussion Group

      Arewa Discussion Group Launched to Tackle Northern Challenges

    • Government
      • Nigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah Saudi…

        Dantata laid to rest at Medina Cemetery

        Legendary Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Laid to Rest in Madinah Cemetery

        Tinubu Seeks Visa Waivers, Scholarships as Nigeria Establishes Diplomatic Ties with…

        Malam Yusuf Abubakar Dingyadi

        Dingyadi, PDP Chair’s Vocal Spokesperson, Resigns

        Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

        Ambassador Tuggar’s Doctrine of Calm in a World on Fire By…

  • Security
    • Police Officer

      FCT Police Urges Influencers to Spotlight Heroism, Not Just Negativity on…

      Nigerian Police Force

      Anambra Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill 10 in Ogboji Attack

      MATAWALLE, cds, AND pERM SEC OF dEFENCE MINISTRY

      “You Are Now Nigeria’s Frontline Guardians in War Against Terrorism –…

      IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

      Police Rescue Trafficked Ghanaian Youth in Abuja

      Police Officer

      FCT Police Nab Notorious Kidnappers Linked to Killings, Mass Abductions in…

  • Features
    • For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

      Bashir Adeniyi: A Roadmap to Global Customs Leadership By Tahir Ahmad

      IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

      IGP Egbetokun: Leading the Charge for a Safer Nigeria By Danjuma…

      NDLEA Logo

      Drug Culture in Nigerian Music: When Art Imitates Harm By Arafat…

      Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

      Ambassador Tuggar’s Doctrine of Calm in a World on Fire By…

  • State
    • For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

      Dantata laid to rest at Medina Cemetery

      Legendary Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Laid to Rest in Madinah Cemetery

      IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

      Police Rescue Trafficked Ghanaian Youth in Abuja

      Police Officer

      FCT Police Nab Notorious Kidnappers Linked to Killings, Mass Abductions in…

      Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa

      Okuama 17: Court Orders Military Chief to Produce Detained Monarch in…

  • Event
    • NELFUND

      NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Application Portal

      EFCC Witness: Yahaya Bello Had No Property Dealings With EFAB

      Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (RMS), with PRNigeria Ladies in PR I'm Abuja

      Rukayat Shittu Set to Publish Inspirational Book “Cracking the Glass Ceiling”,…

      Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo

      Former Kwara Governor, Chief Adebayo, Dies at 84

      Managing Editor of Image Merchants, Mr Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, PR Expert, Celestine Achi and the Editor-in-chief, Yushau Shuaib presenting the book to PRNigeria center

      PRNigeria Commends New Book on Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features Cobra, Viper Risk to Farming in Nigeria
  • Features

Cobra, Viper Risk to Farming in Nigeria

By
Bolaji O. Kazeem
-
March 27, 2018

Cobra, Viper Risk to Farming in Nigeria
The recent recession that ravaged our economy has opened a new vista for many Nigerians to consider and take opportunities in the agricultural sector of the economy and making their way out of excruciating pains of lack of resources to tackled individual needs. The impetus Federal government added to this sector through Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) had propelled more Nigerians to have hope in the development of the agro-allied and Agric business of the nation which had resulted in utilization of land that had aggravated conflict between farmers and snakes on farmland.

From time memorial, land issues are always being a problem within communities, states, and countries based on the economic value it commands. It has caused war within families, communities, states, and countries and will continue to be an issue human race dwells on because of the population explosion, economic values, and political considerations. However, the danger post by reptiles on farmlands has not been given due priority it deserves by local, state and federal governments.

The explosion of the population into farming activities have started gaining traction in Nigeria because of the enormous benefit for individuals, corporations and the nation. The Anchor Borrower programme (ABP) had added impetus to agricultural policy of this present government and provided leeway for states in the country to project areas of their competitive advantage in Agriculture.

The Programme was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 17, 2015, with intent to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in the processing and smallholder farmers (SHFs) of the required key agricultural commodities. According to Central Bank of Nigeria, the programme thrust of the ABP is the provision of farm inputs in kind and cash (for farm labour) to smallholder farmers to boost production of these commodities, stabilize inputs supply to agro-processors and address the country’s negative balance of payments on food. At harvest, the SHF supplies his/her produce to the Agro-processor (Anchor) who pays the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account. The Programme evolved from the consultations with stakeholders comprising Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, State Governors, millers of agricultural produce, and smallholder farmers to boost agricultural production and non-oil exports in the face of unpredictable crude oil prices and its resultant effect on the revenue profile of Nigeria.

With this development, appreciable numbers of the population are into farming activities, especially in the rural areas. However, the policy did not take note of the implication of having more people on farmlands and the attendant collusion with the permanent resident of the land which is rodents and reptiles.

The herculean task of clearing the field, planting seeds and harvesting of produces are been hampered by the encounter of the farmers with snakes on their farms. Many have been bitten and it has resulted in deformity and in many cases outright fatality.

For instance, when rice farmers work on their farmland to trash rice, snakes go under heaps of rice gathered together during preparatory for thrashing, in search of shelter from the scorching sun. Such snakes pounce on farmers when they open the heaps to start thrashing. Some snakes also move in groups in search of rats at yam farms where they clash with farmers harvesting the produce.

Victims of snake bites are always resulted to local herbs to treat themselves and access to anti-venom are limited in the majority of our rural areas. Snakebite treatment needs urgent attention to avoid death and distance from farmland to location where help could be rendered play a crucial role in the treatment of victims.

The exposure of farmers to snakes on farms needs urgent attention in order to preserve the life of our hard-working farmers. It is well known that majority of farming activities take place in rural areas where lack of good roads and health facilities have been an issue that local and state government had not been able to resolve.

Read Also:

  • For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
  • Nigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah Saudi Arabia
  • Legendary Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Laid to Rest in Madinah Cemetery

From News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report of November 5, 2017, two hundred and fifty victims of snake bite have died in Plateau and Gombe states, following an acute scarcity of snake anti-venom drugs in the country. The figure represents the number of confirmed deaths from three snake treatment centres – General Hospital, Kaltungo, Ali Mega Pharmacy, Gombe and Comprehensive Medical Centre, Zamko, Plateau State.

Considering the unreported cases and those that have been maimed across the country on the farmland is added to the reported cases, it is alarming enough for concerted effort to put together to address this issue.

The commonest snakes involved in the poison are mainly the Carpet Viper (Echis carinatus), Puff Adder (Bitis Arrieta) and the Spitting Cobra (Naja Nicocolis). According to a study made by Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, snake bites are common during hot season when most of them are out of their burrows due to excessive heat. In the cold weather, the biting frequency is low but with higher toxicity due to a higher concentration of the venom.

Snakebites negatively affect the lives of thousands, mostly the rural poor and resulting in declining subsistence agriculture and overall quality of life of the people. The rate of attacks on farmlands can spell doom to agricultural policy of government if urgent attention is not taken to address this problem.

This issue has affected a productive sector of the economy through death and deformity of our farmers. It also added a financial burden to the family of the victims in the rural areas. Majority of our rural farmers that fall victims to snake bites cannot afford the cost of treatment and usually resorted traditional means of treatment.

Lack of attention by government agencies had created room for desperate individuals to produce fake drugs in order to take advantage of the inadequate supply of imported anti-venom drugs.

It is heartwarming to confirm that Federal University Kashere, Gombe State has been able to research on various plant extracts with proven used by local herbalists in the management of snake bite. They have administered these extract on victims in the hospital and confirm the efficacy of these extract. What next for the institution is to confirm the side effect of the plants and evaluation of shelf life as well as epidemiological data which require funds for them to continue with their research activities?

More funds should be allocated to research institutes and University to enhance their activities and modalities should be put in place to address the issue of nepotism in the university in the allocation of funds to researchers in our higher institutions. The idea of not been in the good book of Vice Chancellor before lecturers are allowed to benefit from research grant should look into by National University commission.

The government should treat local production of anti-venom as a national and security issue in order to substitute continuous importation of anti-venom for local production. In view of the rising cost of a dollar, the government must encourage and support research institutions with funds to domesticate the production of the anti-venom treatment kits

Embarking on public enlightenment among rural communities on how to prevent snakebites would involve giving timely first aid. Such emergency and vital information should be made available in the languages that local farmers are familiar with.

Relevant government agencies should raise communities’ awareness and knowledge among general public about the correct first aids for snake bites. Also, sensitization campaign on the risk and prevention by wearing appropriate footwear on farmland.

There is the need for Improvement in the training of medical personnel to tackle the issue of snake bites and training of the community to enable them to administer first aid as well as making the first aid kits available in the rural communities in the country.

National Assembly should expedite action on a bill for the establishment of a National centre for research and production of snake’s vaccines. Not only that, Public-Private- Partnership arrangement between government and Echitab Study Group should be finalized to enable Nigeria to produce the treatment kits in Nigeria.

Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and Industry, Trade and Investment and their relevant agencies should collaborate and synergize with private sectors to actualize local production of anti-venom in the country by galvanizing and linking research effort of our institutions into a commercially viable venture.

Bolaji O. Kazeem (08033254923)

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Anchor Borrower Programme
  • Cobra
  • FARMING ACTIVITIES
  • Nigeria
  • smallholder farmers (SHFs)
  • Viper
Previous articleInterior Ministry to Partner Red Cross Society on Disaster Management
Next articleEFCC Recovered N2.4bn, $115m, 12 Properties, Cars From Amosu- Witness
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Xing

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

Bashir Adeniyi: A Roadmap to Global Customs Leadership By Tahir Ahmad

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

IGP Egbetokun: Leading the Charge for a Safer Nigeria By Danjuma S. Musa

NDLEA Logo

Drug Culture in Nigerian Music: When Art Imitates Harm By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq

Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

Ambassador Tuggar’s Doctrine of Calm in a World on Fire By Umar Farouk Bala

A brief travelogue by Fredrick Nwabufo

WTO Lauds Nigeria Customs for Embracing Global Trade Standards

Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode,

Mapping Nigeria’s Maritime Future: The $10 Million Hydrographic Drive By Kabir Abdulsalam

Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello o

Yahaya Bello: Flawed, Misunderstood, Yet Impactful By Hafsat Ibrahim

When Travellers Become Targets By Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, Ph D.

Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) of NDLEA at AVM Sayo Olatunde book launch at Nigerian Army War College NARC Abuja

Faith, Youth and NDLEA’s New Drug Warfront By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador

Ambassador Tuggar: Recasting Nigeria’s Global Image By Umar Farouk Bala

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Recent Posts

  • FCT Police Urges Influencers to Spotlight Heroism, Not Just Negativity on Security
  • For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
  • Nigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah Saudi Arabia
  • Legendary Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Laid to Rest in Madinah Cemetery
  • Anambra Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill 10 in Ogboji Attack
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna HaruspiceNigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata's Burial in Madinah Saudi ArabiaLegendary Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Laid to Rest in Madinah CemeteryAnambra Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill 10 in Ogboji AttackProtesters Occupy Public Offices, Call for NMDPRA Boss Probe"You Are Now Nigeria’s Frontline Guardians in War Against Terrorism – Matawalle Tells Special Forces GraduatesPolice Rescue Trafficked Ghanaian Youth in AbujaFCT Police Nab Notorious Kidnappers Linked to Killings, Mass Abductions in Abuja, KadunaOkuama 17: Court Orders Military Chief to Produce Detained Monarch in DeltaUnexploded Military Ordnance Recovered in Damaturu by PoliceSeparate IED Explosions Kill Teenager, Injure 2, Destroy Bridge in BornoTroops Eliminate 8 Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists in BornoYouths Applaud Tsenyil’s Confirmation, Back Tinubu’s Regional Development Troops Eliminate 10 Terrorists in Fierce Battle Near Cameroon BorderBashir Adeniyi: A Roadmap to Global Customs Leadership By Tahir Ahmad
X whatsapp