By Grace Samuel
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched an initiative to address short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) within the agricultural industry in Nigeria.
The project’s objective is to reduce SLCP emissions from agricultural waste through the introduction of cleaner alternatives like conservation agriculture and briquette production.
It is also to reduce open field burning and reduce carbon emissions liked to open field burning.
Speaking during the launch as in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Temitope Fashedemi noted that open field burning contributes to air pollution and climate change.
He said the “No Burn Alternatives” project was in line with Nigeria’s revised National Determined Contributions (NDC), which involve a National Action Plan to decrease SLCPs such as black carbon, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
The permanent secretary noted that these approaches will enhance farmers’ ability to adapt and lessen the environmental effects of conventional farming practices.
“The project will initially target 500 farmers and 35 extension officers in Gboko, Benue State, with the goal of sharing successful outcomes with stakeholders in other areas, ultimately aiming for a nationwide decrease in SLCPs,” he said.
The permanent secretary added that the project will start by focusing on 500 farmers and 35 extension officers in Gboko, Benue State, with the intention of spreading successful results to others in different regions, with the ultimate aim of reducing SLCPs nationwide.