The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, has disclosed that measures have been adopted by the state to reduce post-harvest losses to enhance food security in the state.
Usman, who stated this in Minna, said to reduce losses, the state entered into a collaboration with Chinese Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone facilities in Chendgu, Mlian Uang, and De Yang City, all within Sichuan Province, to acquire more knowledge to improve the quality of agricultural products.
According to him: “The arrangements can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens.”
Usman, who led the state’s delegation to the agro-industrial processing zone facilities, explained that the visit aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment opportunities.
Usman noted: “By learning from China’s successful experiences in agro-industrial processing, as a state, we can enhance our own capabilities, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and increase the state’s competitiveness in the global market.
“The state can increase its agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the quality of agricultural products.”
Also, the state commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said the move by the state government to develop an agro-industrial sector was to promote economic diversification.
“It will also reduce the dependence on oil revenues, promote economic diversification, and increase our resilience to external shocks. I assure you that Niger State can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens,” he stated.
Niger Govt partners Chinese agro firms to reduce post-harvest losses
