Enugu State government plans to cultivate 100,000 hectares of land to boost cassava production for export.
This came on the heels of the federal government’s pledge to collaborate with the state government on agriculture.
Governor Peter Mbah stated this yesterday during a visit to his office by a delegation of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning led by the permanent secretary, Nebeolisa Anako.
While noting that his administration had already identified agriculture as one of the productivity sectors that would drive development and growth in the state, the governor said cassava production would go beyond consumption to export.
He said 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.
Earlier, the permanent secretary, Nebeolisa Anako, expressed delight at the warmth reception by the state government, saying the high level delegation from the ministry comprised a multi-sectorial team members eager to chart the way forward for the development of the country’s economy.
Anako recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had given approval for a pilot project on cassava production to commence in the South East zone, adding that they were set to collaborate with the state government, including their universities, to grow the economy.
According to him, the project would start with a sensitisation programme on biosphere, cassava, and palm production.
Anako added that the project would grow the economy, create jobs and engage the youths.
He said the federal government would make grants available to Enugu farmers in respect of the project.
