By Samuel
The government of Edo State has said that agricultural development remains a core strategy for economic diversification in the state, adding that it is implementing policies to boost the sector.
According to the Godwin Obaseki-led government, it has introduced new technologies, modern practices, improved financing, and modern management to increase agricultural production.
Speaking to newsmen in Benin, Governor Obaseki said that his administration has embarked on reforms that have created an enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrive and make the sector the mainstay of the economy.
“If we are thinking of diversifying our economy; if we are thinking of creating jobs; if we are thinking of creating a better life for our people, then we must not ignore agriculture.
“Countries like Malaysia developed their economy based on products like oil palm and rubber. In the past, we have been highly dependent on crude oil as a basis to earn revenue for the country but oil palm is more valuable than crude oil.”
“We so much believe that with increased investment in agriculture, we will be able to grow sufficient food to sustain food security in Edo State.
“Agriculture is a productive venture, not just to feed ourselves, but its products are basic inputs in our industrialisation process. Cassava, for example, is a major input in starch production and ethanol energy,” he said.
The governor also noted that agricultural development projects pioneered by his administration remain his legacy projects amid other projects carried out in the state.
“As for us here in Edo State, when we are talking about Making Edo Great Again (MEGA), we have to go back to where we are coming from. Edo used to be home for oil palm, rubber and timber and the people were wealthy for it.
“We believe with the right investment, which we have started using in agriculture, we will be able to deal effectively with unemployment, bringing with it a whole lot of other opportunities.
“We will be able to create more industrial-based products because we will have enough raw materials for agribusiness industries,” Obaseki said
On the new norms occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, Obaseki disclosed that the state has cultivated varieties of crops on expands of land to cushion its effect on food security.
“This will also provide us with the opportunity to employ the teeming population of the Edo people,” he added.