The Niger State government in North central Nigeria, has announced plans to go into partnership with expatriates in the areas of Agriculture development.
The Governor of the State, Abubakar Bello stated this when he received the leadership of All Farmers Association Niger State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Alhajj Shehu Galadima in Minna the State Capital.
Governor Bello said some countries have already indicated readiness in the areas of transfer of science and technology in the sector, stressing that employing commercial-mechanical-agriculture would lead to food security in the State.
Mechanised agriculture
“The country’s population is fast growing and unless mechanised agriculture is practiced, the country would not be able to feed the nation or its neighbours. We must find a way to marry mechanized-commercial-agriculture and subsistence agriculture with the local people so that they work hand in hand. We have vast land, good temperature for agriculture but we are not known for best practices when it comes to agriculture, our farmers are suffering,” he said.
Mr. Abubakar Bello also acknowledged that the security challenges especially in Northern Nigeria may have adverse effect on the prices of food, but however expressed optimism that the situation would be brought under control as efforts are being intensified towards putting an end to the menace.
“Banditry is of great concern and it has moved a lot of people out of their lands, it is beyond us but we urge the Nigerian Government to support us with a lot of rural infrastructure. We want to strengthen the Niger State Commodity and Export Promotion Agency with your corporation so that we have a one-stop-shop,” said the Goevernor.
