By Mark Longyen
Chairman, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau, Nicholas Nshe, has sought partnership with Finland to strengthen grassroots agricultural mechanisation and innovation.
This is contained in a statement issued by the chairman on Thursday.
It explained that Nshe was among a state delegation of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), currently in Finland to adopt global best practices that would be replicated to reposition local agricultural development.
According to the statement, the delegation is seeking the Finnish government’s partnership during the strategic visit with a view to boosting grassroots agricultural development through agricultural mechanisation and innovation.
It also explained that the visit was part of ALGON’s international collaboration initiative focusing on advancing agricultural systems through modern technology, mechanised farming, and sustainable practices.
It said that the partnership discussions bothered on the introduction of advanced agricultural implements, equipment, and mechanisation strategies that would significantly boost food production, improve efficiency, and empower local farmers across Plateau.
The delegation participated in activities surrounding the Helsinki Agricultural Machinery Fair, a premier event that convenes Finnish agricultural and forestry producers to showcase cutting-edge innovations.
”Agriculture remains the backbone of our local economy, and to achieve food security, create jobs, and increase productivity, we must embrace mechanisation and modern technology.
”This visit is a deliberate step towards building strategic partnerships that will transform farming in Shendam and Plateau State at large,” the statement quoted the chairman as saying.
The LG boss listed the Finnish agricultural technological innovations that were of interest to include its Automatic UVC irradiation devices for plant disease control, and the Virtual Reality (VR) learning environments for agricultural training.
”Finland’s advanced data integration models for improved farm management, among many others that were featured at the innovative market, are also worthy of replicating back home,” he added.
3rd from left, Dr Kemi Nshe, Shendam LG Chairman, with other members of the ALGON delegation in Helsinki, Finland.
The council chairman, who had among the delegation, the state ALGON chairman, Hamisu Anani, among others, said they were collectively committed to facilitating international collaborations that would translate into tangible benefits for local governments.
He expressed confidence that the visit would yield long-term cooperation agreements, technology transfer opportunities, capacity-building programs, and access to modern agricultural equipment that would empower farmers and boost rural development.
Nshe, a three-time elected council chairman and ex-ALGON leader said the council under him had witnessed unprecedented progressive initiatives that have boosted economic growth, agricultural sustainability, and improved the livelihoods of the people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Finland is renowned globally for its high standards in agricultural machinery design and manufacturing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
