A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food security and agricultural development was signed between the United States Government and the Republic of Cuba.
Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, signed the MoU on behalf of the Nigerian government in Havana, Cuba, on Sunday, according to a statement released by Olusola Abiola, Director of Information in the Office of the Vice President.
On the margins of the ongoing G77+China Leaders’ Summit, officials from both nations gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture in Cuba to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU), according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Kyari referred to the Expression of Interest (EOI) as a “historic journey” that would help Nigeria and Cuba deepen their ties in the agricultural sector.
He lauded the Cuban government’s openness to collaboration with Nigeria, saying that the two nations’ goals for their citizens are similar.
The minister was very appreciative of the information provided about the prospects and threats in Nigeria’s food and agriculture sectors.
The advantages of Nigeria’s population, land, and agricultural potential, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s goals in this area, were also highlighted.
A new Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was created out of the old Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, he explained.
With an emphasis on crucial areas like bio-fortification of agricultural output and the enhancement of agricultural seeds and seedlings, Kyari also extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts.
He elaborated, saying, “Others were agricultural mechanisation, cutting-edge technologies for enhanced yields, and the decrease of post-harvest losses.
“Nigeria is eager to work with Cuba in the areas of livestock, fishing, and poultry.
“Key areas of cooperation include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, development of pastures, and ranching as essential components in curbing the challenges posed by inefficient open grazing of cattle.”
According to the minister, the three pillars of a prosperous agricultural economy are training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer.
Earlier, Ydael Brito, Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, boasted his country’s agricultural superiority to a visiting Nigerian team.
When asked about Cuba’s role in the export market, he responded, “Cuba has over 500,000 hectares under cultivation and remains a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey, and other commodities.”
Brito, who was excited to work with Nigeria, promised substantive cooperation in the areas outlined in the memorandum of understanding.
Cuba’s agricultural human capital and the various types of practice that have increased production were both recognized by the host minister.
He promised that Cuba’s extensive experience in agricultural and food security will be put to use to help Nigeria accomplish its goals.
In addition, Brito said, “Nigeria will benefit from Cuba’s agriculture capacity in areas such as bilateral relationship encompassing agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer.”
Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba Ben Okoyen and other members of the Nigerian mission joined Kyari at the ceremony.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, reportedly attended the G77 + China Leaders’ Summit in Cuba in Tinubu’s stead.
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