Anambra Government says it is targeting 14,000 hectares of oil palm plantation as part of efforts to transform the state into an agro-industrialised economy.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Ben Odoemena, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.
Odoemena said that the initiative was part of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s mandate to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, food security and job creation.
He said that the ministry was implementing programmes to transform Anambra into “a big commercial agricultural city”, through plantation agriculture, mechanisation and increased private-sector participation.
“We are going to promote plantation agriculture and ensure that the private sector participates in agricultural implementation in Anambra.
“We also want to develop a strong raw material base for investors because many of them have indicated interest in joining the agro-business sector.
“We must develop our raw materials and ensure that Anambra becomes self-sufficient in food production,” the commissioner said.
He said that the government was also promoting market-driven agriculture by developing processing, packaging and marketing facilities that would provide ready markets for farmers.
According to him, cassava and rice processing facilities, livestock processing centres and modern market facilities will be promoted across the state.
He said that the government would also encourage the use of improved, high-yielding varieties to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen institutions supporting mechanised farming.
Odoemena said that the state was considering the establishment of Mechanisation Service Centres in each agricultural zone to improve farmers’ access to mechanised equipment.
“We are looking at climate-smart solutions that will help our farmers mitigate the effects of climate change and improve their productivity,” he said.
The commissioner added that the government planned to establish modern abattoirs and poultry processing facilities capable of handling up to 10,000 birds daily.
He said that the various initiatives were designed to create employment opportunities, attract investment and make agriculture a sustainable source of wealth for the people of Anambra.
NAN
