News in brief: Nigeria and Cuba have signed a MoU on food security and agricultural advancement. Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security highlighted key areas of cooperation, while Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture expressed readiness to assist Nigeria in achieving food sufficiency with its agricultural expertise
Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, were further strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food security and agriculture advancement.
Nigeria’s minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented Nigeria in signing the partnership, during the G77+ China Leaders Summit in Havana, Cuba.
The agreement is seen as a historic step towards strengthening ties between both countries in the field of agriculture.
During the pre-signing meeting, Kyari lauded the willingness of Cuba’s government to partner with Nigeria, according to a news coverage. He observed that both countries shared mutual visions for their people.
The minister further highlighted Nigeria’s demographic advantage, vast land resources, and immense agricultural potential. He underlined President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food and nutrition security.
Kyari extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts with a focus on vital areas. These include bio-fortification of agricultural produce, improving agricultural seeds and seedlings, mechanisation, cutting edge technologies for increased yields and reducing post-harvest loss.
He also emphasised on poultry, livestock and fisheries, veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, pastures development, and training, as vital areas of interest.
Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, who signed on behalf of his country, noted the island nation’s agricultural prowess. He revealed that the country had over 500,000 hectares under cultivation and it is a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey and other commodities.
Brito expressed his delight at the opportunity to partner with Nigeria. He said his country would provide impactful cooperation in identified areas contained in the MoU. He also highlighted Cuba’s agricultural human capital and different models of practices, which have helped it raise its productivity.
Brito assured of his country’s readiness to deploy its wealth of experience in helping Nigeria achieve food sufficiency.
