By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government of Cuba to boost food security and agriculture advancement.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari signed the MoU on behalf of the government at the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture.
A statement signed by Olusola Abiola, Director of Information at the Office of the Vice President said the signing comes on the sidelines of the G77 + China Leaders’ Summit.
Kyari, while speaking shortly before the signing underlined Nigeria’s demographic advantage, vast land resources, and immense agricultural potential as promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food and nutrition security.
“It was in this spirit that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development evolved into the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” he said.
Kyari extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts with a focus on vital areas such as bio-fortification of agricultural produce, improvement of agricultural seeds and seedlings, agricultural mechanization, cutting-edge technologies for increased yields, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.
“Nigeria is keenly interested in collaborating with Cuba in the domains of poultry, livestock, and fisheries.
“Key areas of cooperation include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, and the development of pastures and ranching as essential components in curbing the challenges posed by inefficient open grazing of cattle.
“Others are training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as the cornerstone of any thriving agricultural economy,” the statement said.
On his part, Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito expressed delight at the opportunity to partner with Nigeria stating that his country would provide impactful cooperation in identified areas contained in the MOU.
According to Brito, Nigeria will benefit from Cuba’s agriculture capacity in areas such as bilateral relationship encompassing agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
He further assured that Cuba would deploy its wealth of experience to help Nigeria achieve its agriculture and food security policies.
