Netherlands: How Nigeria can increase farm yield per hectare

The Head of Netherlands Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Michel Deleen, has said that for Nigeria to achieve her export drive for agricultural product, the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the sector must work towards maximising yields per hectare.  Mr. Deleen, who spoke at the NABG’s AgrikExpo and conference in Abuja, said the country must […]

The Head of Netherlands Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Michel Deleen, has said that for Nigeria to achieve her export drive for agricultural product, the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the sector must work towards maximising yields per hectare. 

Mr. Deleen, who spoke at the NABG’s AgrikExpo and conference in Abuja, said the country must also develop effective storage plan for agricultural produce.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s current efforts at exporting crops like sesame, ginger and cashew nuts, the envoy reminded Nigerians that agriculture is a special business that requires passion and commitment to grow even into processing.

Mr Deleen said Netherland is now number two among the countries exporting agriculture in the world, saying his country focuses more on technological development aimed at increasing farm production per hectare.

He said when his team visited Plateau, Sokoto and Kaduna states, it discovered some challenges facing small scale farmers which, according to him, include absence of infrastructural facilities as well as farm diseases like potato blight in Jos and tuta absoluta in Kaduna.

The envoy said his country would help Nigeria through knowledge and technology sharing.