Sokoto State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Henan Province of China for the establishment of a demonstration farm and boosting of agriculture in the state, Leadership reports.
With this agreement, Sokoto has become one of the beneficiaries of the 100 agricultural projects to be sited in developing countries which was announced by the Chinese President, Ji Xinping during the South-South Cooperation meeting held in September 2015.
The deal will see to the application of new technology for cultivation of crops such as corn, wheat, tomatoes and onions.
A statement issued from China by the spokesman of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Malam Imam Imam, said the agreement also provides room for experts from Sokoto and Henan Province to carry out joint analysis and study of climatic conditions, soil moisture status, crop cultivation techniques and plant protection and quarantine.
It would also promote lease investment and promotion of agricultural machinery between the two entities.
Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, Governor Tambuwal said as the largest producer of food and agric machinery in China, Henan Province has a lot to offer Sokoto.
“They have some of the best agricultural machinery industries in the world. From simple ones to the complicated. Having gone round the factories and demonstration farms, we will choose the best one for our state.
“Signing this agreement today has given our decision to embrace mechanised agriculture a huge boost. We will quickly work to set up a joint working group to ensure its implementation,” the governor added.
While the state commissioner of agriculture, Umar Nagwari signed on behalf of Sokoto government, King Xue, the general manager of Henan Holding Industries signed on behalf of the Chinese.
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