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| Minister of State Agriculture- Heineken Lokpobiri |
The
Nigerian Government in her bid to diversify the economy and ensure sustainable
development and increased productivity has come up with varied agricultural
programmes.
One of
such programme is the National Agribusiness Incubation Programme, it is
commencing soon with the setting up of five (5) incubators across the country
each focusing on a value chain. This will ensure a maximum and visible impact
in developing agriculture for sustainable social and economic development.
These Agricultural
based incubation centres will provide nurturing support for new and start up
agricultural businesses across the country- creating huge employment for Nigerians.
This new programme is called the ‘’National Agribusiness Incubation Programme’’.
The
objective of this programme as confirmed by Ms. Eniye Ambakederemo, The Senior
Technical Adviser on Agribusiness to the Minister of State is to ensure the
survival of new Agri-based businesses, increase food production for domestic
consumption and for export; support to Agric produce as raw materials for
manufacturing, Reduction in wastage's in the food cycle, protection of the eco-system
that will enhance good living and essentially to attract investors.
Speaking
further, Ms. Ambakederemo said that the benefits of the programme is far
reaching, amongst others it will reduce massively the present challenge of
unemployment, it will reduce poverty rate since these centres shall be sited
around farmers in the Local Government Areas and support standardized food
processing and packaging, It will improve food security that will greatly enhance
the standard of living. It will also provide raw materials for industries enhance
the economy and result in increased internally generated revenue for the local
communities and States. They will aid the reduction in environmental
degradation and eventually increased exports and ultimately foreign reserves.
Ms. Ambakederemo
made this assertion during her presentation at the inaugural conference of
Global Food Business Incubation Network (FOODBIN) hosted by Rutgers University
and the International Business Innovation Association also in Rutgers University.
As a
result of Nigeria’s participation through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Rural
Development among over 25 speakers from the USA and across the globe, Nigeria
has been made a founding member of FOODBIN. Being a member of FOODBIN attracts
such benefits as Global collaboration, Food Resources and Education- Information
on the latest in food trends, discounts and recognition.
The food
incubation programs have been utilized by several countries in the world to
encourage development and growth of entrepreneurs in the food business as well
as innovation. Nigeria should take advantage of these opportunities to boost
the economy using the “National Agribusiness Incubation Programme”.
Lere-Adams A.B
Acting Director (Information)
FMARD
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