Ministry to partner with Anambra state on agriculture

by John Oba
Abuja
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has promised to  strongly partner with the Anambra State government in the areas of Aqua-culture development, Mechanization and other investment opportunities that may abound in the state.
Dr. Adesina made this promise when he received the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano and other officials of the state paid the minister a courtesy call in his office recently.
He commended the governor for what he has been able to achieve in  office within 100 days , especially for revamping the Omo Rice Mill. He praised the commitment of the Governor and promised to fast-track the Omo Staple Crops Processing Zone.
Dr. Adesina stated the need to convene a high-level meeting between the ministry and the Anambra State Government to work out the modalities for the expected partnership.
Earlier in his remarks, the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, had enumerated the investment opportunities in the state in the areas of Rice, Cassava ,Tomato processing and other positive areas that he said could attract more than 100,000 jobs in the state.
Chief Obiano also stated his intention of ensuring that each of the Local Government Areas in the state is self –sufficient in fish farming in less than one year. According to him, he has resolved to make Anambra the first agro-state in Nigeria.
He said the state government has secured land from communities and  would be willing to engage in dry season farming, saying the state may engage in 120,000 metric tons of rice every year.