A group known as the State Committee on Export Promotion has lamented that some products exported to the European Union (EU) were rejected and sent back because those products were not up to standard by certified agencies.
The committee held a conference on Wednesday in Awka, the state capital.
The group further called for the sensitisation of local farmers on the need to embrace the services of regulatory authorities to guide them on how to make their products exportable.
The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Nkiru Meludu said that training and recognition of farmers’ cooperatives is a good way to kick start grassroots sensitisation.
A representative from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Sadiq Yunus, urged farmers to turn in products for analysis and certification to ensure that those products have standard quality that would be acceptable at the international market.
Commenting on exports, a representative from Children of Farmers Club International, Mr. Christopher Okwuosa said that there was a need for the youths to engage in skill acquisition, like drawing, painting because human beings are also exportable.
Okwuosa called on the state government to assist more youths in agriculture, indigenous technology and craftsmanship because according to him, Africa has what it takes to excel in the area of culture and tourism.
Others who made contributions include, the President, Awka Chamber of Commerce, Princess Caroline Ajuora; an official from Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Romanus Isife; Assistant Director/State Coordinator, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs Jane Ego Ohiri; State Secretary SCEP, Mrs Henrietta Basil-Ideh.