UK Agri-Tech Giants Storm Nigeria, Woo Farmers, Agro-investors
Britain’s finest agriculture equipment sellers, re-sellers and manufacturing companies sought to provide affordable solutions to agricultural mechanisation in a pre-eminent interactive trade expo, last weekend.
The agri-tech giants at the Alternative Agriculture Equipment Trade Show showcased their products, technology and services to farmers, investors and stakeholders in the Nigerian agriculture sector.
The event was the first-of-its-kind and it offered an opportunity for farmers and agro-preneurs to access UK’s most competitively-priced agricultural equipment on a digital platform.
It was organised by UK’s Department for International Trade (UK DIT) in partnership with the Developing Market Associates (DMA) and key agriculture sector stakeholders from Nigeria, including AgroNigeria and Stanbic IBTC.
Furthermore, it resonated with the plans and aspirations of the Nigerian government to mechanise the agriculture sector, against the backdrop of the launch of the Agricultural Mechanization Programme.
Speaking at the event in his keynote address, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, said that the friendly relationship between the UK and Nigeria will help strengthen key areas of the Nigerian economy, particularly the agriculture sector which is one of the top priorities of the government.
According to Llewellyn-Jones, the UK was keen on supporting the agricultural mechanisation agenda of the government and the overall development of the agriculture sector.
He said, “Our purpose is to champion economic growth in Nigeria. The UK stands ready to support the Nigerian government’s ambition to mechanising and developing its agricultural sector.
“Nigeria now needs to promote agricultural practices and take it as a proper business, to ensure that it is done in the most productive and sustainable by the use of technology and best practices. This is where UK’s agri-tech capability comes in”.
‘We are ready for increased farm power, mechanisation,’ – AFAN
Meanwhile, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has shown commitment towards the course, stating that it is ready for the total transformation of the agriculture sector with mechanisation at the driver’s seat.
National President of the association, Alhaji Farouk Rabiu Mudi, made this known in his keynote address, stressing the importance of partnership to achieve the objective of fully mechanising agriculture in Nigeria.
“The realisation of our potential in agriculture will require commitment and resources and at the same time, due consideration will have to be given to the ecological and climate conditions. This also requires a rational and responsible approach to the choice of crop production system.
“One of the most important aspects of agriculture is the development and use of increased levels of farm power and appropriate mechanisation techniques.
“At AFAN, we have all it takes to face these challenges squarely and partner with government, organisations, and associations that have similar aspirations to achieve the desired course,” Mudi assured.
On his part, Trade Adviser Lead, Agriculture and Mining Sector in Nigeria, Oluwaseyi Adepoju, said that this collaboration between Nigeria and the UK was long-awaited, adding that it was high time the country adopted best agricultural practices and better equipment.
“Going by the history of Nigeria and the UK, this collaboration has been long-awaited. Agriculture is a business and as such should be treated as a business.
“At this time, we should adopt better agricultural practices and better equipment. All this and more is what the UK is willing to offer, putting into consideration the many years of innovation in UK agriculture”.
Exhibitors at the event included ABM Global Energy; Water Powered Technologies Limited; Househam Sprayers Limited; Domelow International; J Brock & Sons; Clarke Energy; UNATRAC; Alvan blanch; Sumo1; Agri Frontier; and EcoStim Ltd.
