Niger state government has reiterated the present administration’s commitment to boost agricultural activities in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, gave the promise during a working visit to Contec Global Agro Limited, Abuja.
Metane, further explained that the state government’s commitment to agriculture was very strategic knowing fully well that the sector was the only sure way for food security, employment generation and raw materials for industrialisation.
He added that this was responsible for the government’s determining to embrace every opportunities with a view to achieving the set objectives and goals.
He expressed optimism that the partnership with Contec Global Agro Ltd. would bring about sustainable transformation of the agricultural sector in the state, stressing that the activities of the conglomerate were amazing and exciting.
Ahmed Matane stated further that agriculture was no longer a programme but a business and the incumbent administration of governor Abubakar Sani Bello, was leaving no stone unturned in providing enabling environment for farmers to create wealth out of agriculture thereby becoming self-reliant.
The SSG disclosed that government was collaborating with Contec Global Agro Ltd in order to promote some priority crops identified by government such as Rice, Maize, Soya Beans, Sesame, Ginger and Cassava, saying, “ that very soon, Niger State will be the largest producer of ginger in the country”.
In his remarks, the Managing Director, Contec Global Agro Ltd.Abuja, Thomas Chackunkal told the SSG that the Company promotes chemical-free, organic farming for food and embraces the idea of disseminating scientific, knowledge-based farming practices through information sharing, training and research and development benefitting small holders farmers.
On the entourage of the SSG, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Idris Usman, Director, Agric Services, Malam Adamu Maikasuwa and Director, Research, Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authority,(NAMDA), Mr. Jamu Salka.
Metane, in conjuction with the members of his entourage, was taken round some facilities of the Company in Abuja by the Managing Director, Thomas Chackunkal.