News in brief:
-Â Niger State, with its vast land mass and agricultural potential, is positioned as a key player in realising President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for food security.
– Governor Mohammed Bago says that the state attracting over a billion dollars worth of investment in agricultural mechanisation and technology in the past six months further shows its commitment.
Niger State has positioned itself as a crucial player in realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for food security in Nigeria.
This affirmation came from both the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, during a recent courtesy visit by the governor to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Kyari lauded the state’s potential, acknowledging its unique advantages, a statement obtained by the press says. He described Niger state as having the largest land mass in the country, abundant water resources, vast arable land, and a Governor committed to improving its agricultural sector.
He underscored the critical role of collaboration between federal and state governments in achieving food security and its associated economic benefits.
Governor Bago echoed the minister’s sentiment and noted attracting over a billion dollars worth of investment in agricultural mechanisation and technology in the past six months, a testament to their commitment.
Furthermore, Governor Bago declared, emphasising their unwavering dedication to food security. He declared that production, cultivation, animal husbandry, and also aquaculture, is the focus of the government.
Several key developments underscore Niger State’s proactive approach like its increased size of arable land, dry season farming, provision of storage and infrastructure, and technological advancements.
Kyari and Bago acknowledged the persistent issue of post-harvest losses, but emphasised ongoing efforts to address it through improved storage infrastructure and market access. Additionally, Governor Bago outlined his ambition to optimise rice production in Niger State, currently known as the headquarters of rice paddy in Nigeria, as part of its strategic focus on key commodities.
