With the consistent warning of imminent global food shortage, the Osun State Government has been assured of assistance of German experts on the improvement of agricultural practice in the state.
The collaboration, which is aimed at improving agriculture practices and production, is between Osun State and the German State of Saxony Anhalt.
The experts, a seven-man delegation, were drawn from German agriculture sector, farmers’ co-operative system soil scientists, animal husbandry and other areas.
Receiving the team at the Government House on Sunday, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said the collaboration effort between Osun and Saxon Anhalt States hinges mainly on how to improve agriculture and food security of Osun State.
The cooperation, described as first of its kind in Nigeria, will focus on how to modernise, mechanise and improve on the existing agricultural activities of the state, with a view to guaranteeing increased food security for the people of the state.
The experts, who are a one week visit, will tour the Cattle Ranch at Oloba Farm, Iwo Farm Settlement, Toro Farm in Iwo and Feg-Agro Farm in Iloko-Ijesha among other areas.
As part of the programmes of the experts’ visit, there will be a technical review session involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment and the Osun State University.
Aregbesola disclosed that his visit to the German state earlier in May 2012 brought about the agreement and the visit of the experts.
The governor told the experts that the state is well endowed which needed to be tapped, asking the Germans to assist in improving on the mode of agricultural practice in Osun State.
Aregbesola said: “The state is full of potential that can be tapped. We have abundant mineral resources and rich culture.
“I am eager to see how your expertise can enhance farming potential of our people through transfer of knowledge by training and technology.
“I am full of expectation and believe that your visit will be mutually beneficial to both our people and your people; our state and your state and our country and your country.”
Responding on behalf of the delegation, Prof. Peter Wyscle said they would engage and discuss intensely on the existing agriculture efforts of the government and proffer possible solutions.
Wyscle noted that his team expected to see impressive situations on how things are and seek possible improvement.
He said: “We’ve come here to give you the best thing we have.
“And that is not money but knowledge.”
The team, led by officials of the state government, commenced its state-wide tour of agricultural projects in the state on Monday.
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