The
Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Alhaji
Muhammad Sabo Nanono has solicited for a stronger partnership and collaboration
between the Ministry and the United States of America (USA), through the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID), towards achieving food
sufficiency and job creation. This was made known in a press statement issued
and made available to Food farms news by Ezeaja Ikemefuna on behalf of Director
of Information, in the ministry.
The minister
reportedly made the call when the USAID Delegation led by the US Ambassador to
Nigeria, Amb. Mary Beth Leonard paid him a courtesy visit in his office in
Abuja, recently.
Alhaji
Sabo Nanono noted the need for stronger partnership between the US and Nigeria
in the Agricultural sector for food sufficiency and food security. According to
him , ‘’ the first priority is to feed ourselves, produce more and create jobs
which will in turn reduce the huge burden of unemployment’’.
The
Minister told his visitors that there was an on-going 4- year strategic
Programme in the Agricultural sector like the introduction of mechanized
farming to align the country with international best practices which is
expected to enhance self-reliance and boost food production in the country.
He
said that the mechanization of the Agricultural sector would encourage the use
of technology for the benefit of the people, promote global best packaging of
Agricultural Products and branding of the products towards ensuring global
market penetration.
The
Minister also pointed out the need for capacity building which he said was very
critical in the Sector and also expressed confidence in the huge market and
potentials available in the country.
The US
Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Mary Beth Leonard said, ’’ West Africa is home to
many of the World’s fastest growing economies and a rapidly expanding middle
–class consumer base. Co – investment in Nigeria will focus primarily on key
value chains in the agricultural sector including maize, rice, cowpea, soybean
and aquaculture.
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