Kano, EU partner on agric, livestock
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reaffirmed commitment to strengthening partnerships with international agencies for agricultural transformation.
- The governor met with a European Union delegation to discuss revitalizing agriculture and enhancing food security in the state.
- The partnership aims to modernize livestock production, improve farming practices through technology, and create an enabling environment for agribusiness, with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction.
Kano State, a pivotal agricultural hub in Nigeria, is taking proactive steps to bolster its agricultural sector through strategic international collaborations. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Sulaiman Wali Sani, met with a delegation from the European Union, including representatives from the EU-VACE Agriculture Value Chain Facility and the Transformative Agriculture Systems for Rural Economic Development programme. This meeting underscores the administration's dedication to revitalizing agriculture and ensuring food security, viewing the sector not just as a source of food but as a critical pathway to job creation, wealth generation, and sustainable development.
Our administration sees agriculture not only as a means of food production, but as a pathway to jobs, wealth creation, and sustainable development.
The governor articulated a clear vision for modernizing agricultural practices, moving away from traditional methods towards technology-driven systems. Initiatives such as artificial insemination services for livestock, the deployment of modern farming equipment, and targeted support for farmers across the value chain are central to this strategy. The recent creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development signals a strategic focus on unlocking the sector's immense potential. Furthermore, ensuring animal health and controlling livestock diseases are priorities, aimed at protecting farmers' livelihoods and enhancing the overall productivity of the sector.
We are determined to move from traditional practices to modern, technology-driven systems that will increase productivity and improve incomes for our farmers.
From the perspective of The Punch (NG), this collaboration with the EU is particularly significant for Kano. The European Union Representative to Nigeria, Hugh Briggs, acknowledged Kano's strategic importance in Nigeria's agricultural economy, valuing the longstanding partnership. This cooperation is expected to provide much-needed technical expertise, foster innovation, and strengthen market linkages for farmers and agribusinesses. The emphasis on creating an enabling environment for investment and expanding market access is crucial for attracting agribusiness opportunities, especially for young entrepreneurs and women. This partnership holds the promise of unlocking new avenues for growth and prosperity within Kano State's vibrant agricultural landscape.
Kano occupies a strategic place in Nigeriaโs agricultural economy, and we are pleased to deepen our cooperation with the state government.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.