Niger State to partner with Experts on Agriculture development

The Niger State government in North central Nigeria, has planned 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.”

He said; “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.”

The Governor who acknowledged that the security challenges especially in Northern Nigeria may have adverse effect on the prices of food, expressed optimism that the situation would be brought under control as efforts are being intensified towards putting an end to the menace.

He said; “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.”

Governor Bello further assured the All Farmers Association, Niger State chapter of his administration’s support in agriculture development, saying one-stop shop will ensure that farmers are carried along in determining prices of food.

He said; “We want to strengthen the Niger State Commodity and Export Promotion Agency with your corporation so that we have a one-stop-shop.”

The Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Shehu Galadima appreciated the Niger State government’s unflinching support for farmers.

He called for more support, especially in the area of irrigation farming to serve as a guide to food security due to insecurity challenges in some parts of the state.

Mercy Chukwudiebere