The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri has said that agricultural technology would enhance production, boost revenue generation as well as revolutionise the agric sector. He also said that it will fast-track increase in yield, better packaging of agricultural products and attract foreign investors.
Speaking during the Handing Over / Taking Over of the China – Aid Nigeria Demonstration Centre Project in Bwari, Abuja recently, Mustapha Baba Shehuri represented by the Directorin the Department of Rural Development, Engr. Udo Daniel stated the Project would ensure transition from the small scale production model to a specialized commercial agricultural model.
Shehuri revealed that the objectives of the project was to provide and transfer advanced technology to the Nigerian youths as an enterprise as well as ensure training of local farmers in advanced technology to enhance productivity and wellbeing of Nigerian farmers. He added that it would train farmers on Agro- Processing Technology and ways of cultivating their interest in becoming micro and small scale entrepreneurs, geared towards owning their agri-business.
He stated that “the history of this project dates back to 10th of July 2013, while the actual construction work started in 2021 and was completed on 10th of October 2022 after series of documentations. Adding, the facilities at the centre are of world – class and includes Agricultural Technology Training and Research Centres, Processing and Exhibition Centres; Irrigation Facilities and Farmland Demonstration.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clement Agba represented by Mrs. Fatima Sheji said that “the bilateral relations between the two countries started way back in 1971 and has maintained a cordial relationships which has brought about so many developmental activities across the country.
Also speaking in a 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 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.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Chairman of 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.
The cliclimax of the event featured the handing over and taking over of the China – Aid Nigeria Demonstration Centre Project as well as a guided tour of the project by the representative of the Minister of State. .
In attendance were the epresentative of the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning; Directors in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Chinese Officials among other stakeholders.
The Project covers an area of 31.38 hectares with a total area of 3,521.55 square metres for each building and about 20,000 square metres for the access road of the park and supporting construction works at elevated area on both sides of the Dam.
Photo Caption:
L-R, the Representative of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Director, Rural Development Department, Engr Daniel Udo and the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jianchun, during the Handing/ Taking Over Ceremony in Bwari- Abuja.
