Minister Of Agric Signs MOU With Cuba

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Federal Government with Cuba on food security and agriculture advancement.

This is contained in a statement signed by Olusola Abiola, Director Information, Office of the Vice President in Abuja.

According to the statement, the expression of Interest (EOI) is a historic journey to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Cuba in the field of agriculture.

Sen. Kyari lauds the willingness of Cuba’s government to partner with Nigeria, noting that both countries share a common vision for their people.

The Minister expresses heartfelt gratitude for the shared insights into Nigeria’s pressing food and agricultural opportunities and challenges.

He also underlined Nigeria’s demographic advantage, vast land resources, and immense agricultural potential, promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food and nutrition security.

“It was in this spirit that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development evolved into the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” he said.

Senator Kyari extends a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts with a focus on vital areas such as bio-fortification of agricultural produce, improvement of agricultural seeds and seedlings, agricultural mechanization, cutting-edge technologies for increased yield, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.

“Nigeria is keenly interested in collaborating with Cuba in the domains of poultry, livestock, and fisheries.

“Key areas of cooperation include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, and the development of pastures and ranching as essential components in curbing the challenges posed by inefficient open grazing of cattle”.

“Others are training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as the cornerstone of any thriving agricultural economy.”

In his remarks, Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito who signed the MOU tells the Nigerian delegation about the nation’s agricultural prowess, admitting that the country has “over 500,000 hectares under cultivation” and remains “a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey, and other commodities.”

Mr. Brito expresses delight at the opportunity to partner with Nigeria stating that his country would provide impactful cooperation in identified areas contained in the MOU.