Mr Aniefiok Umoren, the Head of Development Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Calabar, says agriculture remains the most viable option to boost the country’s sustainable development and food security.
Umoren said this on Wednesday at the official launch of Ben Ayade Premium Quality Rice in Calabar.
‘‘Agriculture is Nigeria’s strong point; we cannot do without agriculture. It is the only way forward for Nigeria’s sustainable development,’’ he said.
He commended Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River for taking the initiative of embarking on rice farming, saying that this would complement Federal Government’s efforts to stem rice importation into the country.
In his speech, Ayade said that he was concerned about the huge amount being spent on rice importation, hence his determination to contribute his quota to efforts to solve the problem.
He said that the Ayade Rice Farms Limited was designed to engage in mass production of rice for both local consumption and export.
The governor said that two rice production plants were installed on the farm to process the paddy rice.
“It is also my desire to create employment through the value chain system and ensure that food is available to our teeming population,’’ he said.
