NAN-AE-10
Technologies
By Kudirat Ogunyemi
Ashyin Kasa (Niger), Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will deploy modern agricultural technologies to improve the quality and quantity of food being produced in the country.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, disclosed this at the Farmers Field Day organised by Dizengoff in collaboration with Phinada Integrated Farms on Thursday in Ashyin Kasa, Niger State.
Lokpobiri said this was why the government remains committed to the policy on increasing private sector investment in agriculture.
He said that the collaboration of Phinada Integrated Farm with Dizengoff on the available technologies, machinery and all-year-round agricultural production was a clear demonstration of the thrust of that policy .
“ Federal Government is determined more than ever before to support farmers with modern equipment such as irrigation pumps, threshers, rice reapers, agro-chemicals, post-harvest equipment and tractors, among others.”
The minister said that the ministry operates a private sector-driven agricultural mechanisation programme which assists service providers to extend mechanisation operation like ploughing and harrowing at minimal cost.
“ The programme guarantees the service providers to pay 20 per cent of the cost of the equipment to Bank of Agriculture and the equipment will be released to them and they pay the balance of 80 per cent within four years.
“ Our goal is to provide support and solutions to address issues and constraints faced by farmers and I am optimistic that we will achieve it.”
He commended Sen. Philip Aduda, the Minority Whip and Founder of Phinada Integrated Farms for his massive investment in agriculture.
The minister urged farmers to take advantage of the ‘Farmers Field Day’ to access one or more technologies that would enhance their farming systems and improve the quality and quantity of their yield.
Mr Antti Ritvonen, Dizengoff Country Manager, said that the company was ready to assist Phinada Integrated Farms with modern technologies in all-year-round production of vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, pepper.
“We share the Federal Government vision on Green Alternative to ensure sustainable, availability and affordability foods for all Nigerians.
“ Our Green house is the first of its kind in northern Nigeria and we have different sizes and different kits like farmers greenhouse, fertilisers and agro-chemicals, Nursery set and drip irrigation system.
“Others are jacto sprayer, health and safety and quality seeds, among others for sustainable farming to achieve improved livelihoods and to combat food insecurity in many communities,’’ he said. (NAN)
ROK/DO/NKO
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Edited by David Onilede/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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