By Stella Omona
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri has said that agricultural technology will boost production, revenue generation as well as revolutionize the Agric Sector.
He added that it will equally fast-track increase in yield, better packaging of agricultural products and attract foreign investors.
Speaking at the Handing over/ Taking over of the China –Aid Nigeria Demonstration Centre Project, Bwari, Abuja, recently, the minister represented by the Director, Department of Rural Development, Engr. Udo Daniel stated that the project would ensure the transition from the small scale production model to a specialized commercial agricultural model.
The Project covers an area of 31.38 hectares with a total area of 3,521.55 square meters for each building and about 20,000 square meters for the access road of the park and supporting construction works at elevated area on both sides of the Dam.
Shehuri revealed that the objectives of the project was to provide and transfer advanced technology to the Nigerian youths as an enterprise, training of local farmers in advanced technology to enhance productivity and wellbeing of Nigerian farmers.
He added that it would also train farmers on agro- processing technology, spur their interest in becoming micro and small scale entrepreneurs.
He recalled that “the history of this project dated 10th July 2013 while the actual construction work started in 2021 and was completed on 10th October, 2022 after series of documentations, adding that the facilities at the centre are of world class and includes agricultural technology training and research centers, processing and exhibition centers; irrigation facilities and farmland demonstration”.
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clement Agba, represented by Mrs. Fatima Sheji said that “the bilateral relation between the two countries started way back in 1971 and has maintained cordial relationship that brought about so many developmental activities across the country”.
In his welcome address, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jian Chun said that ” his country will continue to strengthen the bilateral relation with Nigeria in terms of military, electricity and agricultural development in order to improve and ensure food and security in the country’’.
He revealed that the farm produce ranges from hybrid rice, beans, cassava, yam and corn among others with modern mechanized farm equipment to ease the process between planting and harvesting period.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya represented by the supervising Councilor for Environment and Forestry, Salihu Mathew said that “Bwari Area Council has been a very peaceful community where all strangers are welcomed including foreigners regardless of where they come from and that it is a singular honour to have this type of development in his territory”.
Highlights of the event were the Handing over/ Taking over of the China –Aid Nigeria Demonstration Centre Project as well as a guided tour of the project by HMS representative.
