Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has said Nigeria must as a matter of urgency prioritise economic diversification through the Agriculture sector as it is the only viable way to survive the current environment of global economic uncertainty with the volatility of international oil prices.
Mohammed who was speaking during a working visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, said Bauchi State is seeking for partnership with the Ministry for Agriculture development and increased food production.
The Governor outlined some of the measures put in place by his administration to drive market for farmers, develop value chain programmes and eradicate gender inequality.
In his words “the opportunities in the agriculture sector if properly utilised, and harnessed, the State would contribute positively towards the reduction of poverty and unemployment”.
On his part, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono explained the modalities for the partnership and pledged to include Bauchi State on the list of states benefiting from the Agro Processing Zones Programme currently ongoing under the Ministry.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government is kick starting Mini-Processing Plants Projects, and Bauchi State has been identified as a key beneficiary of the project.
He added that government is working towards reviving Agriculture ranching systems in the country, and would use Bauchi State as the pilot state.
