FG to spend N30bn to develop agro-industrial hub – Ogbeh
- The minister of agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said that the federal government will spend N30 billion to develop one of the largest agro-industrial hub in Africa
- He said that the first stage of the plan will emphasize on the development of road networks in the area and building of lakes and dams
- Ogbeh disclosed that some of the monies given to build the agro hub will come from support fund, levies from certain imports and the private sector
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the minister of agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said that the federal government will spend N30 billion to develop one of the largest agro-industrial hub in West Africa.
He said this on Tuesday, October 25, when he visited the 15,000 hectares of land to be used for the hub in Kwali area council, Federal Capital Territory.
He said that the first stage of the plan will emphasize on the development of road networks in the area and building of lakes and dams.
He also said that soil testing will also be focused on to enable farmers know where to grow different crops.
READ ALSO: Rice can be substituted with potato - Audu Ogbeh
Ogbeh disclosed that some of the monies given to build the agro hub will come from support fund, levies from certain imports and the private sector.
He enumerated some agricultural produce to be grown and processed in the farm. Some of them include vegetables for local consumption and exports, rice, soya beans, shea butter among others.
“A time is coming when this business of cattle roaming around will stop and we will not allow anybody move life cows.
“We are looking at spending between 10 to 30 billion naira within the next 3 to 4 years for this massive project; we want young people to subscribe to this project,’’ he said.
The minister added that no fewer than 3,000 youths would be engaged in the project which is expected to boost agricultural production.
READ ALSO: Chief Audu Ogbeh speaks on the plights of Nigerians
Amidst recession, the minister of agriculture and natural resources on Wednesday, July 20, admitted that there is “serious shortage of foods” in diverse parts of the country.
He said it was heartwarming that despite the food shortage, the situation in the country was still not close to that of Venezuela that can no longer feed its people adding that the present administration was working hard to address the food shortage.
Source: Legit.ng
