Dr. Gerald Smith, the U.S. Counsellor for Agriculture Affairs in Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon, says the Consulate is ready to collaborate with the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT).

Smith made this known in Ibadan on Tuesday during his working visit to the institute.

He commended NIHORT for the important work it was doing for Nigeria, stressing the importance of horticultural produce to export earnings for the U.S. and what it could mean for the country in terms of improving its economy.

Smith said the primary purpose of his visit was to form a collaboration with the institute, having understood its mandate and operations.

“Normally, I get requests from U.S universities and researchers about work that is going on in Nigeria and it is better to have an understanding of what is going on in the country.

“One area we have been involved in has been to provide robust support in biotechnology.

“We have supported Nigeria in commercializing BT Cowpea, and we are working with the regulators in Abuja in commercializing BT Corn for farmers next year.

“We see the area of Biotechnology as a potential area of synergy and collaborative efforts,” he said.

The envoy noted that the U.S. had been working with Nigerian researchers.

According to him, we offer several fellowships to study and to continue to research in the U.S. for a semester at U.S. universities and we mentor experts in their fields.

“They have the opportunity to work in the most advanced laboratories in the world.

“Those kinds of opportunities, when they come, I will also reach out to your leadership here (NIHORT) to recommend some of the works that you are doing,” Smith said.

He said that by January 2023, six faculties would exchange and be studying in Nigeria and working on the issue of food safety.

Earlier, Dr. Mohammed Attanda, the Director and Chief Executive Officer, of NIHORT, expressed delight at the visit of the U.S. Consulate, saying that the institute would be glad to collaborate with the consulate.

Attanda, however, highlighted areas of possible collaboration having noted the mandate of the institute. According to him, the mandate is to conduct research into genetic improvement, production of technologies, processing, storage, utilization, and marketing of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental plants of nutritional and economic importance.

He said that the institute’s potential included: human resources, capacity for the development of organic products, and development of value-added products.

“On possible areas of collaboration, NIHORT wishes to collaborate with the U.S. on food safety testing.

“The institute has human resources and some of the equipment and therefore, would like to partner with the U.S. on routine testing of food products before export and provision of adequate equipment for the task.

“Also, NIHORT is ready to partner with the U.S. on the program ‘Supporting Opportunities in Livelihoods Developments’ in red Onions, Mushrooms, and Chili pepper value chains.

“Training of our staff on biotechnology may facilitate an increase in the availability of improved planting materials. Assistance with the provision of state-of-the-art equipment such as the AAS, and GC.

“Assistance with increasing the genetic diversity and conservation status of indigenous fruits and vegetables for increased healthy livelihood.

“NIHORT also seeks research collaboration with USDA and access to USAID grants through the Institute grant management office,” Attanda said.