The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono, has stated that Agricultural Mechanization is the solution towards achieving food sufficiency and job creation in Nigeria.
The Minister made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in the State’s Government House, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, 28th of January, 2020.
He revealed that the Federal Government is set to commence Agricultural Mechanization initiative in the nearest future. According to him, “The programme will be private sector driven and government would only create the enabling environment and offer assistance where necessary”.
He said the policy was expected to involve a full technology package transfer that would cover all stages, from agricultural production, to industrial processing, packaging and marketing. He noted that Ogun State is paramount in Cocoa and Rice production and there was need to revive the industry.
He therefore advised that a new Cocoa variety be developed in Nigeria and made available in the next two and a half years.
He reiterated that the programme would have service centers across the country, 140 processing centers and it would enhance production, create more jobs and grow the nation’s internally generated revenue.
In his speech, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun said, the Minister had a deep knowledge of the Agricultural Sector and applauded the President on his decision, in appointing him as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
He emphasized that Ogun State is the closest State to the biggest economically viable State, Lagos. He pointed out that the State has keyed into Federal Government programmes in the Agriculture sector.
He also informed that there is massive investment in capacity building especially in extension services, which aims at improving yields in farm products like Cassava, Maize, Cotton, Rice among others, saying that the State runs background checks for the extension service workers to ensure accountability and transparency.
Ezeaja Ikemefuna
For: Director, Information (FMARD)
