Minister Unveils Family Enterprise Programme

Nigeria’s Minister of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has disclosed the resolve of the Ministry to undertake a Labour Intensive Family Enterprise (LIFE) programme to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
The minster made the disclosure at an interactive meeting he held with the House Committee on Rural Development recently in Abuja at the National Assembly.
According to a release obtained by The Tide, the minister stated the need to create wealth assured Nigerians that in two to three years to come, the country would be self sufficient in rice and other good quality foods.
He, however, condemned the smuggling of imported and adulterated foods and products into the country through the Seme and Cameroon borders.
Chief Ogbeh revealed that cattle breeding programme, expanding cocoa production in 26 states and planting of half a million seeds of Ogbono (bush mango) which is high in demand in foreign lands are part of the ministry’s programmes.
He said the government would engage in the production of jute bags which is expected to generate employment for 500 Nigerians.
The minster explained further that it has become imperative to build a vast grassland for cattle grazing to restrict the movement of cattle so as to reduce the incessant conflicts between herdsmen and farmers.
Chief Ogbeh said the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) would soon be restructured, adding that the lawmakers should expect a bill to that effect at the National Assembly.
The gesture, according to him is to ensure that farmers have access to affordable loans at low interest rates.