By JAMES EZEMA
The administration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has taken a giant step in enhancing food production to ensure food sufficiency for the citizens in the state.
Revealing this development, the State Project Coordinator of Agro Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project, Dr. Sanni Uzomata said plans have been concluded for the establishment of farm settlement to enhance sufficient food production in Kogi State.
Dr. Ozomata who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja said he recently met with Governor Yahaya Bello on the need to create integrated farm settlement assuring that land would be approved for the project.
According to him, those who had recently undergone training in both Ahmadu Bello University, Kabba College of Agriculture, and Beyero University Kano, would be allowed to practised their agric business in the farm settlements.
Dr. Ozomata explained that the project, when completed, would create one thousand direct beneficiaries as well as three thousand indirect beneficiaries.
The project coordinator said the initiative, which is supported by the World Bank, is focusing on five thematic components, including Productive Enhancement, Women and Youths Empowerment, among others.
Dr. Ozomata maintained that cassava, cashew and rice farmers which represent the value chain in the agric business have been supported so far.
On the loss occasioned by flood and draught, the project coordinator said farmers in the nearest future would be insured to cater for such losses.
