In what looks like a promising development for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ronaldo Vieira has unveiled plans for a collaboration aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in the country.
Vieira made the disclosure at the embassy while hosting FGV Europe, Brazil’s International Center for Innovation and Transfer of Agricultural and Environmental Technology (CIITTA) alongside Nigeria’s farmers, and federal and state governments.
The ambassador emphasized the wealth of agricultural technology at Brazil’s disposal and expressed their intention to share this expertise with Nigeria, spanning all aspects of plant and livestock rearing, including processing.
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“Our primary objective is to promote low-cost production, elevate product quality, and increase productivity yields. These elements are critical for Nigeria to remain competitive in the global market,” the ambassador stated.
Cleber Guarany, president of CIITTA International, pointed out the commonalities between Nigeria and Brazil, including similar climates, soils, food, and a significant number of smallholder farmers.
“Nevertheless, in contrast to Brazil, where smallholder farmers, through cooperatives, contribute 70% of the nation’s food production and feed a significant global population, Nigeria’s smallholder farmers face challenges in adequately feeding their population,” he said.
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The President said that the collaboration aimed to empower Nigerian farmers and enable them to compete effectively on the international stage and boost the nation’s agricultural exports.
Guarany also stressed the importance of capacity building and the introduction of advanced machinery, high-quality seeds, as well as bio plant inputs, bio insecticides, and biofertilizers.
“These bio-based products offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, contributing to enhanced agricultural practices,” he said
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Part of the collaboration includes the introduction of various high-quality seeds, including maize, soya beans, and wheat.
Of note, the initiative seeks to introduce a variety of wheat seeds to Nigeria, further diversifying the agricultural landscape in the country.
This ambitious partnership between Brazil and Nigeria holds great promise for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, making it more competitive, sustainable, and efficient, ultimately benefiting both the farmers and the nation’s economy.
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