As part of plans to increase agricultural production and reduce post-harvest losses, the Niger State government has partnered with Chinese facilities in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones of Chengdu, Mianyang and the De Yang city, all located in Sichuan province, to gain more knowledge to improve the quality of agricultural products.

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

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

Usman added: “By learning from China’s successful experiences in agro-industrial transformation, we can strengthen our own capabilities, create jobs and boost economic growth. »

“The visit also represents an opportunity for us as a government to agree terms of engagement for the already established Niger State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone corridor.”

The Secretary to the Niger State Government further said the corridor had the potential to attract significant investments, promote agricultural development and increase the competitiveness of the state in the global market.

He said, “In the long run, the visit can contribute to the economic growth of the state by improving 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, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said: “The visit can attract Chinese investments in the agro-industrial sector of the state of Niger, thus 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.

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

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