JUMADA-AWWAL 3, 1429 A.H.
FRIDAY, MAY 9 2008
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Shanono tasks private sector on agric development
KANO state commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Alhaji Musa Sulaiman Shanono, has called on business community to join hands with the government in its effort to boost agricultural production in the state.
In a statement to mark this year’s World Food Day, the commissioner noted that the private sector has a role to play in the development of the state’s agricultural sector, especially in the processing and marketing of agricultural products.
He said government has been making efforts to provide enabling environment for agriculture to prosper through the provision of subsidized inputs as well as rendering agricultural extension services to farmers. ‘’Government has also made huge investment in the provision and improving of irrigation infrastructures,’’ he said.
Alhaji Shanono stated that as a result of government support and farmers commitment, the agricultural production of the state rose from 1.6 million tonnes in 2003 to over 3 million tones in 2006.
He said processing and preservation of these agricultural produce remained the major challenge of the sector and government is putting more effort in this direction, including the promotion of public/private sector partnership.
According to a press statement signed by Usman Bello, press secretary to the ministry, the commissioner however, disclosed that arrangement has reached advanced stage with Dansa Food Limited for the establishment of Tomato Processing Plant at Kadawa and called on others to emulate the bold initiative.
Meanwhile, Kano state government has approved the release of strategic grains reserve for sales to public at subsidized rate, the commissioner disclosed.
He said the ministry is finalizing the necessary arrangement for the commencement of the public sales in due course.
