The Imo state Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has underscored the importance of agriculture in national development and nation’s building, pointing out that Governor Okorocha led Rescue Mission Government is poised to give credence and voice to agriculture not only for food security but to create job opportunities to unemployed youths .
Madumere made the declaration while receiving seven member team of CBN/Anchor Borrowers Programme led by its coordinator Dr. Edwin Uche in his office at Government house yesterday.
The number two citizen of Imo State expressed hope of bumper harvest of rice and cassava in the State following huge investments by the State government.
He said Okorocha’s passionate desire to develop agro based industry of State led to the introduction of palm to palm which later became an anthem in the State at the twilight of the present administration .
The Deputy Governor observed that Imo state is blessed with arable land and therefore urged CBN/Anchor Borrowers team to avail themselves of opportunity and ensure that Imo attends a leading status in the production of maize, rice and cassava.
He solicited the support of CBN/Ancour Borrowers towards financing and encouraging farmers in the state even as he pledged to support CBN/Ancour Borrowers towards attending its set out objectives.
In his earlier remarks, the coordinator of CBN/Anchor Borrowers in the State, Edwin Uche said the programme Is designed by the Federal government to ensure food security and create employment through financing of farmers.
He stated that the programme was launched in the State last September, adding that CBN/Anchor Borrowers have made a great impact in rice, maize and cassava production.
Noting that agriculture is the highest employer of labour, Uche noted that the programme has created a total of 10,000 jobs in the State since its inception in the state, adding that more than 3,458 farmers have benefited from CBN/Anchor Borrowers programme in different ways especially in poultry, cassava cultivation and fishery .
He revealed that CBN/Anchor Borrowers have presence in Oguta, Ihitte-Uboma and Oru local government areas of the State, adding that it tends to launch Imo rice by 22nd of November, 2017.
The coordinator thanked the government and the people of the State for their support as he pledged to ensure that farmers are brought under one roof for sustainable growth in agriculture.