To improve food productivity, encourage youth participation in agriculture, the Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TATA Group of Companies on emergency intervention in Agriculture.

However, the Country Director, Agriculture and Construction Equipment Division, TATA Africa Services Nigeria, Engr. Chijoke Okoli, assured that TATA as an established multinational conglomerate, will ensure it delivers its part of the agreement.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim, the intervention in the Agriculture agreement signed in Abuja is to engage the youths of the state in mechanization service provision.

The MoU read that, TATA Group will provide assets, training and technology while the State Government is expected to provide support in the areas of asset acquisition, infrastructure, and commodity price stability.

The pact which is also expected to bring about an increase in productivity, yield and earnings of the farmers will also lead to food security, and sustainable job creation for the teeming youth in the State among others.

The agreement further indicated that young graduates will serve as Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for the provision of plough, harrow, ridge and trailer services under Phase One, while planter, sprayer and harvester will come under Phase Two.

On his part, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago signed on behalf of the State Government while the Country Director, Agriculture and Construction Equipment Division TATA Africa Services Nigeria, Engr. Chijoke Okoli signed for the company.

Furthermore, the Governor expressed optimism that the MoU will come to fruition and achieve the desired results.