ibironkeeniola 
The Bauchi State Government has signed a pact with leading fertilser production firm, OCP Africa, to boost agricultural productivity in the state.
Both parties were represented by the Country Manager, OCP Africa Fertilisers Nigeria, Caleb Usoh, and the Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, Pharmacist Samaila Burga, during the signing.
According to Usoh, the pact signed will cover four key areas to support the sustainability of the state’s agriculture sector.
He identified the areas as; development of inputs distribution through the OCP one-stop shop; implementation of Soil testing solutions; implementation of the Agri-booster project in the state and; collaboration with the state higher Institutions of learning.
According to him, both parties have agreed to collaborate in setting up and equipping five centers for agro-inputs distribution and retail in remote high-potential farming communities in Bauchi State.
Usoh maintained that the initiative while providing farmers with adequate access to markets would also attract youth investment.
The commissioner, while corroborating Usoh’s claims, reiterated the potential of this partnership to attract youth investment as well as create more jobs.
While assuring OCP Africa of the state’s support, he said that the government was also targeting farmers in remote areas.