China has handed over an agricultural demonstration centre project to Nigeria, as part of efforts to scale up agricultural productivity and development in the country.
Mustapha Baba Shehuri, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, said the gesture testify to longstanding friendship between China and Nigeria.
Shehuri was represented by Udo Daniel, an official of the ministry.
The centre has facilities like laboratories for research, a dam, an agro-processing technology exhibition centre and a technology training centre.
Other facilities there are a power centre and an agro-input and machinery exhibition centre.
The centre, located in Bwari, the outskirts of Abuja, aims to focus on expansive agricultural technology demonstration and training.
It would also enhance the transformation of cultivation from subsistence to modern agriculture and the transition from a small-scale production model to a specialised commercial agricultural one.
The donation would also promote the rapid development of agriculture in the west African country.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, said that a technology-driven agriculture industry meant a lot to the Nigerian economy.
“The Chinese government supports Nigeria to develop more modernised agriculture.
“Nigerian farmers need machines, technology and high-yield seeds.
“I believe this centre will give opportunities to the government of both countries “to broaden our relationship,” Cui said.
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