Senator Ibikunle Amosun OGUN’S 50 HECTARE CASHEW PLANTATION GETS UNDERWAY The Ministry of Agriculture in Ogun State has started the clearing and ploughing of a large expanse of land in Afon, Imeko – Afon Local Government Area of the State where it intends to establish a 50-hectare cashew plantation. Conducting newsmen round the site, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun said the gesture is another demonstration of the government to make the State self-sustaining in agricultural production and transform it into another food basket of the nation. It will be recalled that the State government had some weeks back embarked on the cultivation of a 100- hectare rice plantation in Eggua in Yewa North Local Government Area with a plan to also establish a rice processing factory in the same location next year. Sokefun revealed that a ground-breaking and planting ceremony to flag off the cashew plantation would hold next month, expressing optimism that when it becomes fully operational, it would serve the immediate needs of cashew processing factories in the country and increase the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). She therefore enjoined inhabitants of Afon and its environment to protect the plantation jealously as it would provide employment opportunities for youths and experienced farmers in the area. Fielding questions on the Eggua rice plantation, Sokefun said all the structures that would sustain it have already been put in place, reiterating government’s determination to sustain all its innovative agricultural efforts in different parts of the State. Meanwhile, Mrs. Sokefun has assured that the State Government will continue to partner with reputable international organisations in its bid to improve the agricultural and industrial capacity of the State. Sokefun made the position of government known today in Abeokuta while hosting a team of Chinese businessmen from Guangdong Province with interest in agricultural development. She said it is the desire of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to leave behind a remarkable legacy in the agricultural and industrial sectors of the State’s economy. The Commissioner assured her guests of bountiful returns on their investments, pointing out that structures are already in place to ensure this. Responding, leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr. John Xue affirmed that his team was ready to invest in food processing and the provision of fertilizers to increase agricultural products.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 16:39:28 +0000
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