How China is supporting Nigerian farmers

A number of agricultural programmes, projects and equipment have been identified as coming into Nigeria from China. The Katsina State Government has ordered the supply of 400 tractors and 4,000 agricultural water pumps from a Chinese company. Governor Dikko Radda had led a delegation to China to seal partnerships with leading agricultural equipment manufacturers. The visit, facilitated by the Managing Director of Woerka Nigeria Company Limited, Xu Xianrui and Ambassador Bernard Oshi of Ben 10 Equipment Inc., which is aimed at empowering farmers and ensuring food security in the state. Ambassador Oshi, speaking to journalists on the visit, said that Governor Radda meant well for the people Katsina State by first of all choosing to work with very competent partners on such life-changing projects.

Ambassador Oshi remarked that Xu Xianrui, who is equally the General Manager of Jinan Zhongnihaihe, had established himself as a key player in the industry. He said Xianrui would provide technical support and spare parts supply to customers, ensuring seamless after-sales service. During the trip, the delegation visited Shandong Min Sheng Group, an agricultural and mining equipment manufacturing giant, and LOVOL, the operators of Weichai Lovol Heavy Industries. They also inspected solar panel companies, power tillers and solar water pump and agricultural implements manufacturing firms in a bid to increase efficiency, precision, and output for farmers, while reducing drudgery and improving income.

The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has said that he was in China to learn about their agricultural and industrial practices, to explore how they can be replicated in Niger. The governor stated this in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Print Media, A’isha Wakaso, saying that the governor visited some states in China during his visit to acquire needed knowledge on practices and possible partnerships. Bago said the trip was an opportunity for Nigeria and China to foster a relationship for the economic development of Nigeria, as various states would have the opportunity to showcase and have talks with the Chinese government.

“Governor Umaru Bago’s participation in this visit underscores Niger State’s strategic focus on securing international partnerships that will drive infrastructural development, agricultural partnerships, and economic growth, ultimately improving the living standards of Nigerlites. His involvement in these discussions is anticipated to yield tangible benefits for the state. The proposed railway projects, once funded and executed, will not only enhance connectivity within Niger State, but also link it with key regions across Nigeria, facilitating trade and movement of goods, especially agricultural produce.

Similarly, the Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese food processing company, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited, to increase productivity in the rice value chain and enhance food security in the state. The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu witnessed the signing of the MoU in China. The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, Rice Mill Initiative, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, signed the MoU on behalf of the Lagos State Government, while Group Director, Rice Industry Division, Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited, Mr. Wang Wei, signed on behalf of the Chinese company. The signing of the MoU was also witnessed by the Group Head of Rice, Wilmar Group, Mr. Prashant Trikha. The signing of the MoU and collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Chinese company would enhance rice production and agricultural productivity in the state.

Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings Co. Limited is one of the largest food processing companies in the Peoples Republic of China, which operates an integrated rice business covering the rice value chain, from cultivation to processing and distribution of milled rice. A few weeks ago, China agreed to expand importation of Nigeria’s agriculture produce among other agreement entered into. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the discussions to expand imports of Nigerian agricultural products.