As part of plans to increase agricultural production and reduce post-harvest losses, the Niger State government has entered into a partnership with Chinese Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone facilities in Chengdu, Mianyang, and De Yang City, all within Sichuan Province, to acquire more knowledge to improve the quality of agricultural products.

Speaking to newsmen after their recent visit to China, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, said the arrangements could enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of the citizens.

The SSG, who led the delegation’s visit to the established Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone facilities in Chengdu, Mianyang, and De Yang City, said the visit aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment opportunities.

Usman added, “By learning from China’s successful experiences in agro-industrial processing, we can enhance our own capabilities, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.”

“The visit also presents an opportunity for us as a government to agree on terms of engagement for the already established designated Niger State Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone Corridor.”

The Secretary to the Niger State government further stated that the corridor has the potential to attract significant investments, promote agricultural development, and increase the state’s competitiveness in the global market.

He said, “In the long run, the visit can contribute to the State’s economic growth by enhancing agricultural productivity and adopting modern agro-industrial processing technologies.

“The State can increase its agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the quality of agricultural products.

Speaking on attracting investments, Commissioner of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said, “The visit can attract Chinese investments in Niger State’s agro-industrial sector, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“As part of plans to promote economic diversification, the government is developing an agro-industrial sector to reduce dependence on oil revenues, promote economic diversification, and increase our resilience to external shocks.

“That way, we can improve food security, increase agricultural productivity, and improve food processing capabilities.

“I assure you that Niger State can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens.”