Okechukwu Nnodim, AbujaThe Federal Government on Wednesday announced that it would commence its agricultural mechanisation initiative in the next three months. Nanono, who spoke at a meeting with the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, described the agricultural mechanisation programme as the solution to achieving food sufficiency and job creation in Nigeria. “The programme will be private sector-driven and government will only create a conducive environment and offer assistance where necessary,” he stated. The minister said Ogun State was notable for cocoa and rice production, adding that there was a need to revive the cocoa industry in particular. “We must develop new cocoa varieties in Nigeria because the new cocoa varieties will yield in two and half years,” Nanono said.

Source: Punch January 29, 2020 23:26 UTC