News in Brief:
– Netherland’s Minister of Foreign Trade has urged Nigeria to adopt high-tech farming for food security and export potential.
– He praised the ongoing Youth in Agribusiness program as it aligns with the vision to transform the agricultural sector.
During a visit to Abuja for a youth agribusiness training program, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey Van Leeuwen, urged Nigerians to consider investing in high-tech farming to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.
Highlighting the Netherlands’ success as the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite its 80 million population, Van Leeuwen emphasised the potential for Nigeria, with its 200 million people, to excel in this area through technology adoption.
In his statement, he also stressed the importance of viewing farming as a business driven by technology and knowledge, with the potential for export and economic growth.
The minister’s visit coincided with the ongoing Youth in Agribusiness (YAS) program, a partnership between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Golden Finger Green Skill Academy. This initiative is aimed at training young Nigerians in modern agricultural practices.
Speaking during the event, the IITA Executive Manager, Aline Mugisho, emphasised the program’s focus on equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to turn agriculture into a profitable business. She also addressed concerns about brain drain and unemployment among youth.
Meantime, the YAS program has already trained over 1,000 young Nigerians and made provision to connect the trainees with financial institutions and market opportunities. It hopes that this complete entrepreneurship empowerment will ensure the sustainability and scalability of their ventures.
The Dutch minister’s visit and his endorsement of high-tech farming highlight the growing recognition of its potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, enhance food security, and create economic opportunities for its young population.
