FG launches fishery policy to tackle malnutrition
It’s the season of mangoes, and the market is flooded with them. But, as the demand for juicy mangoes increases, the marketers artificially inject them with chemicals which ripen them quickly so that the supply remains stable. If you are also a mango lover, then here are some tips for identifying such mangoes that are loaded with chemicals.
Which chemical is used for the ripening process?
Apparently, the mangoes are injected with calcium carbide, which releases acetylene gas when it comes into contact with moisture. This can cause the mangoes to ripen quickly, but it can also lead to serious health risks for people such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal issues if ingested. Not just that, but fruit traders also use ‘ethylene treatment’, which involves exposing the fruit to ethylene gas. This gas is a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process in fruits.
See the colour
While buying mangoes, do not forget to look at the colour of the mangoes. Whenever a mango is ripe with chemicals, it will have green spots on it and one can identify them.
The size
Apart from this, also see how the shape of the mango is, it will also let you know if the mango is ripened with chemicals. Chemically ripened mangoes are small in size and most of them are seen dripping juice. Apart from this, if you see any mango which has a white or blue mark, then it should not be bought at all. In this way, you will be able to identify chemically ripened mangoes.
The dip test
While buying mangoes, put the mangoes in a bucket of water and see which mangoes are sinking and which are on the surface of water. Mangoes that sink in water are naturally ripe. But if you see any mango floating on top, then understand that it has been cooked with chemicals.
The press test
It is very easy to identify ripe and sweet mangoes. While buying a mango, you should see it by pressing it lightly. The mango is considered ripe when it becomes soft, but if you feel the mango hard at some places when you press the mango, then it may be that the mango is not ripe properly and it is being sold after cooking it with chemicals.
While this one is not a chemical test, but it is one of the easiest methods. All you need to do is, smell the stem of the mango, if it smells fruity and sweet, there’s a good chance it’s ripe. If it smells sour or alcoholic, it’s most likely spoiled.
Check for spots
Naturally ripened mangoes have brown spots, while the ones ripened with chemicals will have pale or white spots. Check for the colour of the spots and you will get to know how mangoes are ripened.
Effects of consuming artificially ripened mangoes
When you consume artificially ripened mangoes, you may feel irritation in your throat along with a burning sensation in your stomach. This can also sometimes lead to stomach ache and diarrhoea.
Why mangoes are enjoyed in summer?
The sweet and juicy taste of mangoes is quite refreshing during hot summer days. This fruit is also a great source of hydration, with high water content which makes it a popular choice for smoothies, juices, and other summer drinks.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has launched a policy brief on fisheries and aquaculture, to address malnutrition in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the document titled “Transformation and Future of Aquatic Food Systems in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, said that it is in the interest of the nation for everyone to champion the success of implementing the policy.
“This is a significant gathering that has brought together all relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian fisheries sector with one objective of attaining the immense potential that aquatic foods can contribute to sustainable healthy diets and addressing the burden of malnutrition in Nigeria.
“Permit me to remind this gathering of experts that the aquatic environment as we are all aware, is of utmost importance to the survival of mankind and the ecosystem. Aside providing us with food, it is also regulating our climate,” Abubakar said represented by the Director Special Project in the ministry, Mrs Fausat Yusuf.
The minister said that aquaculture
The President of Grassroot Beekeepers of Nigeria, Pastor Dagunduro Gideon, said Nigeria can diversify its economy from oil through bee keeping and the production of honey.
Speaking on the backdrop of the celebration of 2023 “World Bee Day” in Abuja, Dagunduro told Daily Trust on Sunday that the celebration by the United Nations presents an opportunity and a call for global cooperation and solidarity to ensure the prioritisation of the protection of bees and other pollinators.
He said if done properly, it would go a long way in mitigating threats posed to food security, agricultural livelihoods and defense against biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
Dagunduro further explained that the day as everyone is aware is the fastest growing sector to increasing fish production and that he has mandated the department to work towards increasing aquaculture production by an additional 250,000MT since he assumed office, to help create an additional 1.1 million jobs in the sector.
He said, “We are working towards this goal and I encourage everyone present at this launch to support this initiative. Let us also work together to has been set aside by the United Nations through the initiative of the Slovenian stakeholders in collaboration with Apimondia and FAO to commemorate the role bees play in human lives and to the environment.
According to him, “Many people have a strong phobia for bees having received the sting, thus associating bees with danger. The first reaction many people have when they are visited by a swarm of bees is to call the pest control or simply boil water and pour on them.
“The World Bee Day has been set aside to change that perception and start to see, appreciate and recognize the immense role bees play in food production through crop pollination, employment and business opportunities through beekeeping ventures and related services.”
The leader of the Grassroots Bee keepers noted that Nigeria’s honey protect the aquatic environment from the effects of pollution, overfishing, and climate change for the benefit of future generations.”
Also, Dr Micheal Ojo, Country Director GAIN, said the policy aims at highlighting the great potentials inherent in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, which had for so long been overlooked.
Ojo said that animal-sourced foods are really important to reduce the level of malnutrition which had continued to increase due to lack of access to diverse and micronutrient-dense food.
“Nigeria is plagued by a double burden of malnutrition as under nutrition exists alongside overweight, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies and associated diet related noncommunicable diseases.
“Nigeria loses $1.5 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to micronutrient deficiencies and dietary inadequacies are one of the most pressing reasons for people experiencing multiple nutrient deficiencies and subsequent morbidity and mortality in Nigeria,” he said.
In her goodwill message, the Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mrs Dede Ekuoe, noted that aquatic food system plays vital roles in ensuring food security, improving nutrition and driving economic growth especially in a nation like Nigeria.
World Bee Day: Nigeria can diversify economy through bee-keeping – Farmer
market alone is worth N3 billion annually.
He said “The market for beekeeping and honey production is huge. From cosmetics, medicine, confectioneries, and the pharmaceutical industries, to religious groups, the demand for organic honey and other bi-products is growing.
“Honey has established itself as the best alternative to synthesized sugar, as such it is priced high in the international market with a high demand on the product.