By Umar Faruk, Birnin Kebbi
A delegation of agricultural experts from Ghana, led by the Minister in charge of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has visited Kebbi State to understudy the state's success in rice production. The visit was aimed at learning from Nigeria's experience in rice production, particularly in Kebbi State, which has been recognized as one of the largest rice and wheat producers in the country.
During a courtesy call on Kebbi Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, Mr. Opoku explained that the new Ghanaian government assumed office four months ago and inherited challenges in food production, including a huge import bill for rice. "We met huge import bill, Ghana imports lots of rice," he said. "The country has fertile land and water for local production, that's the reason President John Mahama is passionate about Ghana attaining food sufficiency."
The Minister informed his host that Ghana has learned about the success of WACOT Rice Mill and entire Kebbi State in rice production, which motivated them to embark on an understudy mission. "This is the main objective of our visit, we are here to learn, Ghana and Nigeria share common values with multi-faceted relations, Ghana looks up to Nigeria for understanding," Opoku said.
In response, Kebbi Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, welcomed the Ghanaian collaborative effort with Nigeria, tracing the brotherly ties between the two nations predating independence. He recalled that the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival has been the rallying unity platform for both countries, saying that some Ghanaian leaders have been attending the event.
"Kebbi is happy to explore areas of cooperation with Ghana especially on agricultural production," Tafida said. "The State is also endowed with solid mineral resources such as gold and lithium, ready for harnessing." He highlighted the state's efforts to industrialize and increase agricultural production towards food security and economic prosperity.
The Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has provided free fertilizer, water pumping machines, chemicals, and improved seeds to farmers in the state to increase yields. "Kebbi has retained its peak position as the largest rice and wheat producer," Tafida said. "GOD HAS blessed the state with fertile arable land and water bodies for agricultural purposes, 12 months of the year."
Tafida expressed the government's desire to explore further areas of cooperation with Ghana on capacity building, culture, and tourism, towards strengthening affinity in cultural heritage. The visit is seen as an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations and share knowledge and expertise in agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.
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Bilateral