FG partners China to train agric scientists in Nigeria

The Chinese Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has commenced agricultural technical training programme for 40 members of staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Shehu Ahmed, said the training was aimed at building the capacity of agricultural officers.

He said the training was introduced as a follow up to President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to China in April 2016, where bilateral cooperation was intensified in the area of trade and agriculture.

Ahmed said the pioneer training programme would cover rice and vegetable cultivation, soil and fertiliser management, agriculture machinery operations, seed production and inspection.

“It is hoped that the Nigerian agricultural scientists and technicians will take the opportunity to enrich themselves with the understanding of Chinese agricultural development and its rich experience. This training, therefore, is to provide you with knowledge and basic skills that would enhance your competencies and basic skill in order to enhance your productivity in the agricultural sector,” he said.

In his speech, the Chinese Economic and Commercial Councillor in Nigeria, Zhao Linxiang, said that Nigeria has abundant agricultural resources, adding that agriculture plays an important role in growing the national economy.