Latest news with #FatimaMusa
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers devastated as key crop becomes nearly impossible to grow: 'Customers are complaining, and my business is suffering'
Extreme temperatures are affecting crops around the world, impacting market value and the livelihoods of farmers and workers. The most recent news is that the farming regions in Nigeria are experiencing extreme heat. Extremely high temperatures are threatening the tomato farming region in Kano, Nigeria. Temperatures are exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit when tomatoes need between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to comfortably grow. Farmer Fatima Musa shared her frustration with Business Day Nigeria: "By the time we transport them, half are already bad." The onion industry is also seeing major losses, with 50% post-harvest losses. "More than half of our production is wasted after harvest due to inadequate storage, limited preservation technology, and unreliable transportation," said Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, president of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN). All of the agriculture industries combined in Nigeria average a 40% loss, which is above its allotment under its five-year federal budget. Extreme temperatures affect every part of the farming process — from how much fruit is produced to how much fruit makes it to market before it starts to decay. Cold storage is usually the answer to prevent the latter, but many farmers in Nigeria do not have that luxury. This often forces farmers to sell at below-market prices or watch their crops go to waste. "We produce enough food in Nigeria, but we waste almost half of it before it reaches the market," Dr Adeola Fakorede, an agricultural economist, said to Business Day Nigeria. When crops become unusable or do not make it to market as expected, this reduces the farmers' income and increases the cost of the produce, which puts a further strain on the wallets of everyday consumers. If these trends continue, it can become an issue of national food security. The heat also becomes an issue for those fasting for Ramadan, as the workers do not want to compromise their religious obligations but need to work in unbearable temperatures. Scientists around the world are starting to develop climate-resilient crops that will withstand extreme temperatures. Gene-editing, with processes like CRISPR, can enhance everything from its nutritional value to its temperature tolerance. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Farmers are also starting to revolutionize planting techniques and improve irrigation so that they are more adaptable to temperature and keep away pests with fewer chemicals. The Nigerian Stored Produce Research Institute is also working on expanding its infrastructure and increasing its cold storage hubs. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Sharjah 24
05-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SAVW promotes religious and volunteer values in Ramadan
Events include a number of diverse activities that are in line with the atmosphere of the holy month, including 4 remote lectures, which address topics aimed at promoting Islamic and social values, with a focus on the role of the individual in achieving community solidarity. Ramadan Majlis Ramadan Majlis after Tarawih prayers are organised on separate days for women and men, with the aim of discussing religious and social issues that contribute to enhancing positive communication between members of society. Guidance and Impact As for the "Guidance and Impact" programme, it is presented through awareness videos that highlight the impact of noble values and volunteering in improving the quality of life and consolidating the spirit of giving. Promoting volunteer work On this occasion, Fatima Musa, Executive Director of SAVW, confirmed that these activities come within the framework of the award's efforts to promote the concept of volunteer work as a fundamental value in the Emirati community, especially since the award takes advantage of community and religious occasions and events to enhance its communication with the community in order to promote the values of volunteering in various ways. Musa pointed out that the holy month of Ramadan represents an ideal opportunity to enhance the spirit of cooperation and giving, and SAVW seeks through these activities to spread the message of volunteering as a means to achieve sustainable development, and support the values of compassion and solidarity among members of society. Engaging all age groups Musa added that the award is keen to attract all age groups from society to participate in these awareness events, with the aim of enhancing their role in effectively contributing to building a brighter future based on cooperation and humanitarian work. Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work calls on all members of society to benefit from these activities and participate in spreading the values of goodness and giving during the holy month.
