Niger State Government Partners with Chinese Firms to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
To boost agricultural production and minimize post-harvest losses, the Niger State government has formed a partnership with Chinese firms specializing in Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones located in Chengdu, Mianyang, and DeYang City, all within Sichuan Province, China. This collaboration aims to acquire knowledge and expertise to enhance the quality of agricultural products.
After returning from a recent visit to China, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, stated that the delegation’s visit to these established facilities was designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment opportunities.
Usman remarked, “By learning from China’s successful experiences in agro-industrial processing, we can improve our capabilities as a state, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. The visit also allows us to agree on terms of engagement for the already designated Niger State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Corridor.”
He further noted that the corridor has the potential to attract significant investments, promote agricultural development, and enhance the state’s competitiveness in the global market. “In the long run, this visit can contribute to the state’s economic growth by boosting agricultural productivity and adopting modern agro-industrial processing technologies. This will help increase agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the quality of agricultural products,” Usman added.
On the topic of attracting investments, Commissioner of Industry, Trade, and Investment Aminu Suleiman Takuma stated, “This visit can draw Chinese investments into Niger State’s agro-industrial sector, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.” He emphasized that as part of their plans for economic diversification, the government is developing the agro-industrial sector to reduce dependence on oil revenues, enhance resilience to external shocks, and improve food security.
Takuma assured, “By increasing agricultural productivity and improving food processing capabilities, Niger State can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens.”
