SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 2006

States, LGs advised on agricultural research
STATES and local government councils in the country have been advised to devote 20 per cent of their annual budgetary provision for agricultural research, extension training and input subsidy to farmers.
They are also enjoined to review existing incentive packages to encourage banks to collaborate with stakeholders with a view to ensuring easy loan accessibility by farmers.
These were parts of recommendations of the presidential implementation committee on improving the linkages between research, production and food security approved by the federal government.
Other recommendation contained in the first quarterly report of the committee include the establishment of an outfit to be known as Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN). With responsibility of coordinating all the agricultural research for effective linkages.
The president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who received the report at the Presidential Villa Abuja stressed that exports to constitute the board of the new council must be responsive and realistic in their approach towards ensuring the success of the programme.
He assured that all other recommendations by the committee particularly as it affect the federal government would be implemented commending the members of the PIC for timely completion of their assignment.
The chairman of the committee, who is also the minister of Agriculture, Malam Adamu Bello while presenting the report expressed optimism that, the new measures could do alot to bridge the gap between research and food production in the country.
He, however, said, the new agricultural body urgently needs a governing board with managerial structure as well as enough funding for its smooth take off.
The presidential implementation committee headed by the minister comprised of other three ministers, all the thirty-six Deputy Governors of the states, representatives from Central Bank of Nigeria, Commercial Banks, Universities, Apex farmers Association, NACCIMA and ALGON in the country.
Kano state Deputy Governor, Engr. Magaji Abdullahi who headed the harmonisation sub-committee was among the personalities that witnessed the presentation ceremony.





















 

SITE TOOLS

© Triumph Publishing Company Limited 2004