Kwara State has reaffirmed its readiness to further improve commercial agriculture and chat way forward in boosting agribusiness in Nigeria and the state in particular.
Iyabo Amajo, divisional head, Agribusiness, Harmony Holdings Limited stated this in her address at the opening ceremony of 2nd Harmony Agric International Fair (HAGIF), holding in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to her, the government in their wisdom created agric division in Harmony Holdings in order to have synergy with the Ministry of Agriculture, SMEs and also to be able to reach out to farmers.
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With the success of our maiden edition of the fair last year, we are able to gather enough information that enables government to support us through the SMEs.
“This year, we have farmers in 100 groups and our focus is to change way of their farming techniques, they should be seeing agriculture not as a gift like they used to see it through the government but as a serious business and we want to open other areas of agricultural produce and as well give farmers advice where they need it.
The second trade fair with the team ‘Sustaining Food Security’ is targeted at ensuring that farmers have off-takers agreements that would help them eliminate wastages.
The exhibition according to her, is aimed at connecting producers and manufacturers with buyers and investors, giving opportunity for local and international players to form alliances and partnership to increase stake in the sector and take advantage in understanding the prospect and opportunities inherent in the changing landscape of agribusiness in Nigeria.
The international acclaimed agribusiness hub of Nigeria is expected to feature participating entering and investing in the country’s food, agriculture and allied sector and as well enable participants to showcase their products and services and demonstrate unique edge.
About eight hundred farmers according to Amajo are participating at the ongoing fair.
Declaring the exhibition opened, the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed assured that his administration will continuous to work with investors, farmers and other relevant agencies with a view to strengthening and enhancing agricultural business in the state.
He commended Harmony Holdings Limited for making and sustaining the fair every year.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
