The Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, Harry Dijk, has called on Nigerian farmers to make use of the huge opportunities in the horticulture subsector, to create wealth and bridge the supply deficit of 13 million metric tons of vegetables needed to meet local demand in the country.
The Ambassador at the launch of HortiNigeria in Abuja disclosed that the project will improve horticulture production in Nigeria, adding that bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Nigeria focus on trade and investment, peace and security, social development, and migration and consular affairs.
Vegetable farming is one of the silent money makers in Nigeria as a result of the short cycle from planting to harvesting and the fact that the major common denominator in the country is the use of vegetables in preparing food related to different tribes.
NALDA Encourages Backyard Farming With Grow Your Vegetables Initiative
According to Dijk, HortiNigeria is a result of the intensification of the bilateral corporation between the two countries that is focused on a Nigerian food system that provides sufficient healthy food to a fast-growing population.
“Making food systems more resilient to climate change is a cross-cutting theme in all our activities. The program pays extra attention to the inclusion of women and youth, for instance by supporting women-led SMEs and young farmers”
NIHORT Evaluates IITA Plantain, Banana Hybrids for Distribution to Farmers
Furthermore, we strive for a food system that creates jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities and respects the natural environment. We take a targeted approach and focus on seed sector development and horticulture because that is where the Netherlands can add the most value.” he said.
Present at the program was the President of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Albin Hubscher, who expressed his conviction that HortiNigeria will improve the horticulture sector in the country.
