Lagos, Dec. 14, 2014 (NAN) The Head of Netherlands Representation in Lagos, Mr Michel Deelen, on Sunday disclosed that his government’s plan to provide Nigerian farmers with technical assistance that would increase their crops production.
Deelen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was imperative for Netherlands to support Nigeria because of the existing relationship between both countries in different areas.
The envoy, however, said that the agriculture sector was one major area of cooperation where Netherlands would sustain relationship with Nigeria in the years ahead.
“Agriculture is one major area of Netherlands cooperation with Nigeria and this is expected to grow in the years ahead.
“Netherlands was actually the number one destination count for Nigerian agricultural products in 2013.
“We are, therefore, going to be giving technical assistance to Nigerian farmer to boost their crops production in 2015,’’ he said.
Deelen, also the deputy Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, said that his country depended largely on Nigeria’s cocoa and other products.
The envoy expressed optimism that the assistance would increase the farmers’ production in the year and beyond.
According to him, Nigerian farmers can be made to grow from subsistence farmers to larger ones.
“We are, therefore, going to be sharing our experiences in products development with Nigerian farmers, so that farmers can improve on their agricultural products in the years ahead.
“We strongly believe that Nigerian farmers can grow from being subsistence into big mechanized farmers producing for local and international consumption,’’ he said.
Deelen said that his government was committed to investing in Nigeria’s agriculture and development of animal feed companies.
He added that the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria would continue to facilitate agricultural development services for Nigerian farmers.