News in Brief:
– Oyo State is partnering with the UK’s Agritech Centre to revolutionise its agricultural sector through technology-driven solutions.
– The collaboration will establish an Agritech Hub, providing farmers with resources and training to boost crop and livestock production.
Oyo State is set to experience a significant boost in its agricultural sector, thanks to a new partnership with the United Kingdom Agritech Centre. The collaboration will focus on enhancing crop and livestock production by adopting science and technology-based solutions.
Notably, one key component of the partnership is the establishment of an Agritech Hub within the state’s Agribusiness Industrial Hubs. This hub will serve as a resource centre, giving agricultural practitioners access to cutting-edge technologies and fostering innovation in farming practices.
Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness, made this announcement following a meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and a UK delegation in Ibadan recently.
A funded project to transform agriculture
This initiative is a fully funded project, signalling a swift implementation phase. The Agritech Hub aims to address the knowledge gap among young farmers, providing them with the necessary resources and training to adopt modern, technology-driven agricultural practices.
“Agriculture has become technology-driven,” Akande explained. “We have a lot of young people who have the capability to produce, but the know-how may not be there. This project is going to provide the opportunity and resources for them to be able to do it.”
He added that the hub will promote precision agriculture, mechanisation, and innovation, ultimately leading to increased productivity and production of livestock within the state.
UK delegation explores trade opportunities
The UK delegation, which included agribusiness experts, academics, and representatives from the UK Agritech Centre, was led by Mark Smithson, the Director of the UK Department of Business and Trade in Nigeria.
Smithson stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss potential collaborations and opportunities within Oyo State’s agricultural sector. The visit follows the signing of a comprehensive investment partnership between the UK and Nigeria in February 2024, which prioritises agriculture as a key area of cooperation.
Furthermore, Smithson highlighted the role of the UK Agritech Centre in bringing science and technology-based solutions to Nigeria.
The Centre, comprised of 300 members from the private sector and academia, will work to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and practical application in agriculture, ultimately enhancing productivity.
“We are here today to talk with His Excellency, the Governor, and the stakeholders in the state about the opportunities to bring the UK and Nigeria into collaboration in the field of agriculture,” Smithson said.
