By Kunle SHONUGA
The Federal Government has appealed to the Government of Netherlands to collaborate and support the country in its agriculture drive, especially in cattle breeding and improved seeds production.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the appeal when a delegation of private investors led by Ms Marion Kappeyne, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.
In a statement by Mr Nakorji Mohammed, the Director, Information in the ministry, quoted Ogbeh as commending Netherlands for its support toward agricultural development of Nigeria.
The minister further called for more assistance in research and aquaculture.
According to him, Nigeria spends 60 million dollars annually on fish importation.
He said that the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior had set up agro-rangers to provide security for Nigerian farmers.
The minister said that the arrangement was part of government’s commitment toward creating an enabling environment for both public and private sectors to thrive in the agriculture sector.
Ogbeh assured the delegation that Nigeria would continue to partner with the Netherlands government to develop the agriculture sector of the country.
Earlier, Kappeyne said that the delegation was in the ministry to explore areas of collaboration for the development of the Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
She noted that areas of collaboration with her country could be improved seeds production, horticulture, aquaculture, poultry and nutrition, among others.
The ambassador however reiterated the Netherlands readiness to support Nigeria in its agriculture revolution to make the country a food exporting nation.===NAN
