By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri has pledged to support Rivers state with new technology that will boost yield and access to improved varieties of cassava cuttings.
Shehuri also said that accessing chemicals for treatment of seed and crop protection will also be supported by the federal government.
The minister said this on Monday in Port Harcourt while on a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesome Wike and on a working tour of some facilities of the Agriculture Ministry in the State.
Shehuri lauded the enormous agricultural potentials of Rivers State, especially cassava production as a major crop commodity.
Speaking through a press statement signed on Tuesday by the Ministry’s Chief Information officer, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Shehuri said that the ministry will continue to give adequate support in areas of extension services, good quality seeds, fertilizers, Agro-chemical and small scale equipment to boost production and generate revenue for small holders farmers in the State.
Shehuri said, ‘’our mandate to grow the agricultural sector is challenging but with support from the states, we will accelerate food and nutrition security, provide raw materials and employment in the country.”
He lauded the Governor’s focus on the development of rural communities through several innovative rural oriented projects.
The Minister also noted the Federal Government’s complementing efforts through various intervention programmes are on-going and some have been completed in the rural communities of the state.
He said, ‘’these interventions include asphalt rural roads, solar powered /motorized boreholes and solar street lights in different parts of rural communities in Rivers State. He pledged to visit the projects and other various interventions and ensure that they are completed and handed over to the benefiting communities”.
Among the highlights of his visit include, his visits to the Rivers State Cassava Processing Company located at Afam, Oyibo Local Government Area and the Agricultural Skill Acquisition Centres in Taabaa, Kana/Gokana , Federal Constituency and Egelebie in Okrika Local Government Area,
While receiving the minister, Wike stated that Agriculture is key component of Development that requires commitment and political will by all relevant stakeholders towards achieving food security and job creation for Nigerian youths. The Governor was quick to add that Nigeria will achieve food security only if Agriculture is not politicized.
