AGRIFEST 2015: Jonathan Okays N26 Billion For 2015 Dry Season Farming

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday announced
the release of N26 billion for the 2015 dry season
farming.
Jonathan, who spoke at the 2015 Agrifest held at
the Eagle Square, Abuja, pledged the support of his
administration to farmers.
The President used the event to highlight his
administration's successes in Agriculture.
Nigeria, he said, will not be held hostage by rice
importers, adding that the country is working to
attain self – sufficiency in rice production.
Jonathan said: "To further boost your efforts to
produce more food for our nation, I am pleased to
announce here today the release of N26billion naira
towards the 2015 Dry Season Farming Programme.
"Nigeria our dear country will not be held hostage
by rice importers. There will be no sacred cows
under my watch. All those owing Nigeria on rice
import duties must pay."
The President said the private sector have put over
N45 billion private investment in new oil palm
plantation.
The investment, he said will allow farmers to
cultivate 70,000 hectares of new plantations to
allow Nigeria to become self-sufficient in palm oil
production by 2016.
He said: "I am excited that today, Okomu, Presco,
PZ – Wilmar and medium size oil palm estate
operators such as Wilbahi are taking the lead in
revamping our vast oil palm plantations.
"We will continue to support the revamping of our
oil palm industry and support the private sector to
build new refineries to process crude palm oil
produced in Nigeria."
Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said that
government was supporting 27 Nagropreneur with
N122 million take off grant to do their business.
The youths were given N5 million each under the
Youth Empowerment in Agriculture Programme.
The minister added that the ministry will work
closely with all states government to in other to
ensure capacity building for youths.
Also, Minister of Finance and the Coordinating
Minister for the Economy, Dr. Okonjo – Iweala, said
that many of the 1.2 million jobs created in 2014
were in the agriculture sector.
Dr. Iweala explained that without agriculture Nigeria
cannot make much progress.
"Because of agriculture, inflation has reduced. We
are showing that we can feed ourselves," she said.
Courtesy: nairaland news
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