GOVERNOR
Olusegun Mimiko has said that the sum of N2 billion has been earmarked for the
development of its agro business projects across the state.
He
spoke at the kick-off ceremony of cassava planting at Ore Agro Business City
(ABC), where he assured of his government's commitment to completely eradicate
poverty and unemployment through modern agriculture and harness the abundant
natural resources of the state for its rapid socio-economic development.
The ceremony
marked the commencement of clearing and cultivation of 1000 hectares for the
planting of Cassava, Maize and rice at the Ore ABC.
Dr.
Mimiko said government embarked on the clearing of 1000 hectares of land for
the cultivation of cassava maize and rice production, extensive irrigation
facility using the source of Oluwa river around the ABC to ensure provision of
water for all its activities and to provide not less than 20 bore holes spread
across and around the farm.
"Indeed
we are confident that we will achieve our objectives as we have earmarked a sum
of N2 billion for this project," the governor stated.
He
stressed that the take-off ceremony was significant as it marks the beginning
of the cultivation of 1000 hectares for cassava and maize by the youth and
women groups selected for the programme, adding that the profit made from the
sale will be handed over to the participating profarmers and agropreaneus.
He
maintained that the goal of government is to completely eradicate poverty and
unemployment in the state as he mentioned other agricultural projects the
government is committed to, including its investment in the oil palm revolution
also at Ore where he said the transplanting and maintenance of N1 million
Malaysian oil palm seedlings is ongoing and the cocoa revolution through the
revitalization of the state cocoa plantation at Oda , with the establishment of
a chocolate academy.
The
Governor assured of his administration's support for the pro-farmers and
agropreneurs to carry on their agricultural business outside the premises of
the agro business cities through different opportunities, including grants,
loans and access to land.
He said
the state government has entered into partnership with IITA and other
international organizations to provide technical support for the transformation
of the Ore Agro city into a world-class international agricultural centre.
According
to him, the upgrading of the facilities at the centre, include complete
renovation of 280 capacity hostel block, three dams and 250 pounds, as well as
the construction of new structures such as 16 poultry houses, recreational
centres, library and guest house among others.
"Mimiko
offered that "Part of the strategic location of Ore agro business city is
the proximity to the Ondo State 30 megawatt power station where we intend to
provide electricity for the agro business city to power the processing plant to
be established, such as seed processing plant and the multi-purpose processing
factory, which involves feed mill, chicken processing and crop processing all
of international standard". He also commended President Goodluck Jonathan
and the Minister of Agriculture for the Federal Government's giant stride in
the area of agricultural development.
Earlier
in her welcome speech, the chairman of the State Wealth Creation Agency, Mrs
Bolanle Olafunmiloye, noted that the agro business city is an agricultural
training and agro business incubation centre that allows the pro-farmers and
agropreneurs to spend minimum of 18 months to learn and practise the business
of agriculture through the entire value chain of production, preservation,
processing, packaging, marketing and other services.
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201409160353.html
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