David Onome Amuge
The Bauchi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of Africa’s largest fertilizer production companies, OCP Africa in a move to actualise agricultural productivity and sustenance in the state.
The MoU was signed in Bauchi, the state capital by Samaila Burga, the commissioner of agriculture and rural development, and Caleb Usoh, OCP Africa Fertilisers country manager.
Usoh stated that four major areas will be covered by the OCP Africa to help boost the state’s agriculture sector. The areas of concentration he highlighted include; implementation of soil testing solutions, development of inputs distribution through the OCP one-stop shop, research collaborations with the Bauchi State higher institutions of learning and execution of agri-booster projects in the state.
Both parties would collaborate in equipping and setting up five centers for agro-inputs distribution and retail in prospective farming communities within the state, Usoh further said.
On his part, Burga assured OCP Africa of the state’s full support and alliance. He also maintained that the collaboration would facilitate the provision of farmers with sufficient access to markets. He further stated that the partnership would also attract youth investment with a high potential of job opportunities for the people.
OCP Africa was established in 2016 as an initiative to enrich the sustainability and development of agriculture in Africa. The firm develops fertilizer solutions suited to meet the local conditions and demands of the agricultural communities in Africa. Over the years, the company has collaborated with various African governments, private and non-profit organisations towards connecting farmers to better agricultural services.
