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Agriculture should be seen as key business – Adesina

By on June 15, 2014

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has said agriculture should be positioned as a good business in the country.

Adesina, who spoke at the recently held Agrikexpo and FOODBXT West Africa, both of which were exhibitions for agriculture, foods and beverage products and services, said the industry needed such exposure for growth.

He said agriculture should no longer be viewed as a developmental project but rather as a business that is capable of generating growth.

“Africa remains the hope of the world in terms of food supply and productivity,” he said.

The organising company, 151 Products limited, in a statement, said the exhibition was also organised to confer awards on deserving individuals who had contributed to the growth of agriculture in various ways.

According to the statement, in one of the previous editions, the minister received an award and the 2014 edition of the award went to the Governor of Abia State, Mr. Theodore Orji, following his achievements in the area of agriculture. Orji was awarded the agriculture governor of the year.

A member of the selection panel, Prof. Soji Oyewole, was quoted to have said that agriculture should be seen as the springboard for economic development.

“Agriculture awards are quite competitive, transparent and meritoriously given as a vehicle to drive more excellence amongst stakeholders, especially for food security, employment and economic diversification,” he said.

The statement added that Orji while receiving the award, stated that his administration would continue to do invest in agriculture as part of his legacy projects.

It added that dignitaries including the Director- General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii , were at the exhibition to encourage corporate promotions and healthy brand growth among competing brands, as a tool to drive the localisation of production plants   for more jobs , less imports , and food security.

Chairman of 151 Products Limited, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, said Agrikexpo would be held as an annual event separated from its value addition arm FOODBEXT West Africa in order to deliver a more industry -focused audience to exhibiting companies.         .

 

 

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