Nigeria to adopt agriculture, mining for rapid devt - Osinbajo

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said the Federal Government will focus on mining and agriculture for rapid economic development.
 
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo
Osinbajo who disclosed this in Argungu while inaugurating a N10 billion WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu Emirate, Kebbi State, recently said the continued investment in agricultural production by the private sector has vindicated the resolve of the Federal Government to invest in agriculture for revenue generation and development.

Commending WACOT Mill for establishing the largest single line rice processing mill, especially on the employment of Nigerians, Osinbajo said the investment is a sign of support to the priority accorded food production by the current regime.

He called on more investors to engage in agricultural production, especially considering that investment in oil production had resulted in loss of jobs unlike investment in agriculture that had resulted in employment.

The Acting President assured that the Federal Government would sustain support to the private sector “being the engine room for development and employment opportunities’’.

He called on WACOT to fulfil its pledge to train and engage 5,000 rice farmers as well as improve their economic status.

Rahul  Savara, General Manager of WACOT Mill, said the firm would sustain processing of 120,000 metric tonnes per annum as well as employment of 3,500 workers, while 50,000 farmers would be engaged to provide paddy to the company.

He said the firm would train 5,000 small holder rice farmers on good farming practices, financial management, production costs optimization and yield demonstration.


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