ibironkeeniola 
The Kwara State Government is working closely with the French government in an ongoing effort to execute the recently launched 10-year Agricultural Transformation Plan.
French representative in West Africa, Dr. Sonia Darracq said during an official visit to the state that her government is fostering cooperation with Kwara state to implement the new agricultural masterplan.
Darracq, who is also the Regional Agricultural Counsellor for Nigeria at the French Embassy, disclosed that the French government is encouraging French investors to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the state’s agro-industry.
“As the business environment is safe in Kwara, some French companies are already willing to start building a win-win public-private-partnerships in areas related to livestock (veterinary, feeding, processing, logistics, etc); agricultural equipment and machinery for all value chains (processing, packaging, cold chain, etc.); irrigation systems: expansion (technical cooperation) and equipment; post-harvest issues and agro logistic hubs,” she said.
State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq had earlier hinted that his government will collaborate with the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jérôme Pasquier to stimulate the growth of Agribusiness, “especially the livestock sector”.
Commenting on the recently launched agric transformation plan of the state, Darracq noted that it is all-inclusive; describing it as “the best possible strategic plan in terms of agribusiness development.
“It goes deeply through all sectors and value chains, including the education and training aspects. From it, any potential investor certainly feels reassured and comforted that Kwara is an agribusiness friendly state.
“It encourages investors to come and see by themselves,” she added.
She also assured that the French government will strengthen the partnership between educational institutions in Kwara state and the French Network of Technical Agriculture Colleges, with a central focus on vocational training.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA