Dantata Foods and Allied Products has announced its plan to partner with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, to revamp dryland agriculture in the country. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, in Kano, Chief Executive Officer of Dantata Foods, Tajudeen Dantata, said.

Dryland Farming, also called dry farming, is the cultivation of crops without irrigation in regions of limited moisture. Dantata noted that the partnership would enable joint research on crops to encourage scientific application in farming.

He also noted that the partnership would encourage the production of drought-resistant seeds for farmers experiencing climatic challenges and harsh weather conditions.

Dantata explained, “About 100,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the studies aimed at enhancing effective utilisation of agriculture and water resources. “Through the partnership, we will ensure quality assurance in the production of inputs and other products in accordance with international best standards.

“There are certain parameters of some products that are in control, which you will not be able to export to Europe and other Western countries.”

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of KSUT, Prof. Yahuza Bello noted that this partnership would totally reinvigorate the application of modern farming techniques in the country. Bello noted that the varsity’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture was established with the intent of accelerating the revitalisation of agricultural technologies, and to boost crops and livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The Centre, as part of its objectives, will support graduates who will be able to engage themselves in production and research on dryland agriculture, to provide relevant and appropriate solutions to the regional agriculture and development problems,” the vice chancellor said.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA