The Nigerian Government says it is ready to partner with States and other Stakeholders in formulating policies and programmes in the Agricultural sector to ensure food sustainability.

This was the issue at the front burner of the official launch/public presentation of the Agricultural Sector Roadmap: ‘The Green Alternative: Agriculture Promotion Policy – 2016 – 2020.’

The Vice President in his keynote address owned up to the fact that farming is a necessity if the ever increasing national and world population must be adequately fended for but did express dismay at the rates which loans are granted which could pose a threat to food

sufficiency and sustainability.

The Policy is to serve as a Roadmap to enhance Agriculture and Food Sufficiency in the country.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh informed that the ‘Green Alternative Promotion Policy’ has five major thrusts.

“First, is achievement of self sufficiency and sustainable food security. Second, is reduction in import dependence and economic losses.

Third, is stimulation of agro-exports for enhanced foreign exchange earnings.

“Fourth, is enhancement of wealth and job creation especially the provision of employment opportunities for the teeming population in the country. Fifth, is achievement of economic diversification to make our economy less oil dependent.”

He maintained that the Policy is a well thought-out strategy to meaningfully and systematically address the myriad of challenges militating against the growth of the agricultural sector.

The Minister further added that there will be innovative solutions for reviving and repositioning the sector for accelerated national development.

“One issue that has been a hindrance to the workability of many noble policies is policy summersault.

Most successive Administrations never consolidated on the initiatives of their predecessors, but assurances are coming from the Nigerian Parliament to toe a different line entirely.”

The Policy document is the outcome of an intensive consultative process starting in November 2015 to May 2016 involving multiple stakeholders.

The Ministry is thereby hopeful that it will be a platform for generating enduring results in the Agricultural Sector. (TV360 Nigeria)

•Photo shows Audu Ogbeh.

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