Economic diversification; FG re-engineering agric for competitive international market

0
544

By; Sani Aliyu, Zaria.
The Federal Government is making efforts to re-engineer the agricultural sector as a tool for the diversification of the nation economy to guarantee food security, improved rural livelihood and make Nigerian agriculture competitive in the globalization market.
Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Development Dr. Shehu M. Ahmed stated this at the Sasakawa Africa Association 2016 Annual Review and Planning workshop held at the NAERLS/ABU Zaria on Tuesday.
Represented by Mr. Alphonsus Onwuemeka, Director Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, he said with the dwindling of oil revenue, it is imperative and indeed compelling for Nigeria to diversify its economy, having been virtually dependent on petroleum for many decades.
According to him, Nigeria has realized that the most apparent sector to achieve this is the agriculture which presents potential for sustainable economic development in terms of resource-based approach to growth.
“The country must, therefore, transmit from oil dependency to have a more diversified economy, as the domestic economy is always susceptible to external revenue shocks when oil price fall”.
Dr. Ahmed said the economic diversification model that Nigeria needs is one that can help absorb fiscal shocks, fend off monetary instability and provide employment for the teeming energetic work force.
The Permanent Secretary observed that Sasakawa has improved Nigerian Agricultural productivity and production for ensuring food security and nutrition by transferring new improved technologies through extension.
Also speaking Professor Sani Miko Sagagi, Deputy Country Director Sasakawa Global 2000, said the workshop is aimed at reviewing 2015 activities and find ways of improving where issues arises.
He said they will interact with farmers and other stakeholders on the way forward as regards to improved productivity and productions of farm produced.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here