Notore, Kaduna gov’t partner to harness agribiz opportunities
Fertilizer and agro-allied company, Notore Chemical Industries Plc, is exploring partnership opportunities with the Kaduna State government towards investing in the state’s agricultural sector. Speaking during a visit to the Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the management of the company, led by its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Onajite Okoloko, said the good agricultural policies in place in the state caught the attention of the company.
Okoloko said: “We have a genuine desire and interest in ensuring that we achieve food security in Nigeria. We believe that Kaduna State is the focal point for agriculture in terms of crops such as maize and soya bean production.” He also disclosed that the company was teaching farmers and bringing best practice to farming activities across the country with over 3000 demonstration farms across the country.
“One-eighth of the hectares of land are split into two, right in the heart of the farming communities. The farmers farm on one half, while Notore best practices are used on the other half. We have the largest private sector extension services network in the country. If you look at some of Notore’s interventions, we are responsible for the onions explosion in Kebbi about five years ago where, and we did the same thing in Jos with cabbage.”
Okoloko also said Notore also has a subsidiary called Notore Seeds, stressing that fertilizer, improved seeds and education must work together. He explained that the company started growing hybrid seeds and commercialised it and currently has an out-grower scheme growing the seeds in Kaduna.
In his remarks, El-Rufai assured the company of all that is required to boost the agricultural sector in the state. “I want you to know that whatever you want to do in Kaduna, if you let us know specifically, we will support you,” the governor promised. The governor also presented the state development and sector development plans, saying Notore will find them helpful in articulating needs from the state government.