News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s agriculture ministry is partnering with Vietnam to improve rice and cashew production techniques while attracting investment.
– The collaboration aims to boost domestic production, reduce reliance on imports, and create jobs in the agricultural sector.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a new partnership with Vietnam to explore investment opportunities and improve techniques within the country’s rice and cashew value chains.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted Vietnam’s success in processing and marketing these crops during a meeting with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
The minister highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that government aims to learn from their model and attract investors to Nigeria to invest in these value chains.
With the Honourable Minister of State, @sabialiyu_ We had a meeting earlier today with the management team of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) @FAO. During our discussions, several areas of collaboration were proposed, aimed at boosting our agricultural sector:
1.We… pic.twitter.com/kAbQ92tEEM
— Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON (@SenatorAKyari) April 4, 2024
According to details made known by the minister, the initiative will encompass several key areas. These areas include:
- Knowledge Transfer: Training programs will be implemented for farmers and agricultural extension workers, focusing on Vietnamese techniques for cultivating rice and cashew.
- Youth Empowerment: Programs aimed at young Nigerians will provide training in the fabrication and operation of small-scale agricultural machinery for processing these crops.
- Increased Production and Quality: The partnership aims to boost domestic rice and cashew production while enhancing the overall quality of these crops.
- Reduced Reliance on Imports: By increasing domestic production, Nigeria hopes to decrease its reliance on imported rice and cashews, strengthening national food security.
- Job Creation: The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities for Nigerian youth and citizens within the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, Senator Kyari stressed the importance of long-term sustainability. He noted its importance in ensuring the long-term viability of these efforts, as the project will focus onbuilding the capacity of Nigerian institutions and farmers.
The partnership between both countries seeks to establish collaborations between the government and private sector players in the agricultural industry. Investments in infrastructure related to rice and cashew production and processing facilities will be a key focus.
Overall, through this collaborative effort, both countries aim to significantly advance Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Additionally, the meeting concluded with an agreement to facilitate exchange visits between Nigeria and Vietnam. These visits will involve agricultural policymakers, scientists, researchers, and extension workers, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
