News in Brief:
– A Dutch trade delegation is collaborating with the Oyo State government to boost horticultural production.
– The partnership will focus on knowledge transfer and sustainable practices, particularly in greenhouse technology, to increase crop yield, create jobs, and improve access to quality produce.
A Dutch trade delegation has commenced talks with the Oyo State government, with the aim of establishing a collaborative framework with the government, to increase horticultural production in the state and improve quality.
The delegation, led by Mr Michel Deelen, the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and experts from Dutch horticultural companies, met during the third Netherlands-Nigeria Horticulture Trade Mission.
The delegation’s primary objective is to boost horticultural output in Oyo State, citing the region’s significant landmass as a key asset. Additionally, the visiting team revealed that they were eager to facilitate knowledge transfer and implement best practices from their horticulture sector.
Oyo State Government pledges cooperation
Oyo State officials welcomed the initiative, expressing their commitment to working with the Dutch delegation.
According to the Executive Adviser on Agribusiness to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Debo Akande, the state is prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the partnership.
He further noted that the collaboration aligned with the state’s goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities.’
Subsequently, the Dutch delegation highlighted the potential for job creation and improved consumer access to quality produce.
“This initiative is designed to create employment within the horticulture sector,” a spokesperson said. They added that consumers could expect to see an improvement in the quality and availability of products such as tomatoes.
Sustainable practices and greenhouse technology
The agricultural Counsellor in the Dutch delegation, Inge Tenniglo, reiterated their government’s focus on sustainable agricultural practices.
“We are committed to sharing our expertise in greenhouse technology and sustainable farming methods,” Tenniglo said. She added that the collaboration aims to enhance production while ensuring environmental sustainability.
The Netherlands boasts an advanced horticulture sector, with an export value of €10.8 billion, that is renowned for its innovative greenhouse technologies and sustainable practices. It is a global leader in vegetable production, with a significant presence in the global tomato market, driven by its expertise in controlled environment agriculture.
