Sokoto reaps first benefit of China visit

Sokoto state government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Henan Province of China for the establishment a demonstration farm .

Imam Imam, spokesman of Aminu Tambuwal, governor of the state, confirmed this in a statement issued in China.

According to Imam, Sokoto is one of the beneficiaries of the 100 agricultural projects to be sited in developing countries, as announced by Ji Xinping, Chinese president, during the south-south cooperation meeting held in September 2015.

The statement said the deal will see to the application of new technology for cultivation of crops such as corn, wheat, tomatoes and onions.

“The agreement also provides room for experts from Sokoto and Henan Province to carry out joint analysis and study of climatic conditions, soil moisture status, crop cultivation techniques and plant protection and quarantine,” the statement read.

“It will also promote lease investment and promotion of agricultural machinery between the two entities.

He quoted Tambuwal as saying Sokoto has a lot to benefit from Henan province, which is the largest producer of food and agric machinery in China.

“They have some of the best agricultural machinery industries in the world. From simple ones to the complicated,” he said.

“Having gone round the factories and demonstration farms, we will choose the best one for our state.

“Signing this agreement today has given our decision to embrace mechanised agriculture a huge boost. We will quickly work to set up a joint working group to ensure its implementation.”

While Umar nagwari, the state commissioner of agriculture, signed on behalf of Sokoto government, King Xue, general manager of Henan Holding Industries, signed on behalf of the Chinese.