This agricultural services center, a major milestone in the development of Togo’s agricultural sector, is a joint initiative of the Togolese government and the OCP Group, with the support of the World Bank, OCP Africa said in a press release on Monday.
The laying of the foundation stone by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé follows on from the agreements signed last week by the two parties, and demonstrates their commitment to innovative, value-creating agriculture in the country, added the same source.
On this occasion, OCP Africa General Manager, Mohamed Anouar Jamali, emphasized that the Agricultural Services Centre in Kpalimé will contribute to agricultural development in Togo.
He noted that the Center will provide Togolese farmers with the tools, knowledge and services they need to improve their productivity and profitability.
“We are proud to collaborate with the Togolese government in this key initiative for agriculture, and we thank the World Bank for its support,” he emphasized.
“Together, we are working to transform Togo’s agricultural sector, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and farmer empowerment,” he said.
The Center aims to improve the competitiveness of agricultural value chains and build farmers’ capacities by providing a wide range of essential products and services.
The Agricultural Service Center in Kpalimé will be a regional one-stop shop for Togolese farmers, offering easy access to quality agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds and crop protection products, the press release continues.
In addition, the center will provide local agronomic services and advice, enabling farmers to benefit from personalized support to improve their farming practices, noted OCP Africa.
An essential component of the center will be the production of fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of soils and crops, thanks to the provision of a Smart Blender, which will enable farmers to obtain customized fertilizer blends to optimize crop and soil nutrition and improve yields.
The Agricultural Services Centre will be equipped with a modern soil analysis laboratory, enabling the soil fertility map to be drawn up and updated.
