Enugu State Government had disclosed it’s plans to boost cassava production for exports by earmarking over 100,000 hectares of land.for the project.
Similarly, the Federal Government had expressed its desire to collaborate with the state government by making grants available to Enugu farmers in respect of the project.
The state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah disclosed his administration’s plan on cassava production, during a courtesy visit to his office by a delegation of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning led by the Permanent Secretary, Nebeolisa Anako, Tuesday.
The Governor said that his administration had already identified agriculture as one of the productivity sectors that would drive development and growth in the state. He said cassava production would go beyond consumption to export.
According to him, the value chain that would generate revenue for the people such as cassava flour, cassava cake, cassava chips, among others, would be created from cassava production.
“This project is in sync with our developmental plan. We’ve identified agriculture as one of the productivity sectors.
“Enugu has arable land that yields five times more than other states. We will be working with you closely in this regard and we’re ready to provide you all the things you need to start the pilot project in our state,” the governor added.
Speaking earlier on, the Permanent Secretary said the high delegation from the ministry comprised a multi-sectorial team members eager to chart the way forward for the development of the country’s economy.
He recalled that the Federal Executive Council had earlier given approval for a pilot project on cassava production to commence in the South East zone, adding that they were ready to collaborate with the state government, including their universities, to grow the economy.
According to him, the project would be starting with sensitisation programme on biosphere, cassava, and palm production.
Nebeolisa ,who expressed delight at the warmth reception by the state Governor,
disclosed that the project would grow the economy, attract massive employments, and engage the youth.
He added that the federal government would be making grants available to Enugu farmers in respect of the project.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama