Going by incessant post harvest losses recorded on perishable farm produce by the farmers and investors operating in Ogun State, the state government has directed its focus to the preservation and effective processing of farm produce.
Although, Ogun state is considered as emerging industrial hub in the country, hosting hundreds of manufacturing and service-based firms, it however fails to convert its huge agricultural production potentials and capacity into sustainable investment, creating wealth and desired employment opportunities for the youth through effective processing of produce harvested in various farms.
Consequently, the state government has requested local and foreign investors to consider investment in processing and preservation of agricultural produce, in order to reduce post harvest losses and create wealth and desired employment opportunities, which will in return, boost the state economy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 9th Gateway Trade Fair held at the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Monday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun declared that although Ogun state is now known to be the industrial hub of the country, there must be cogent efforts to attract adequate investment in effective processing and preservation of agricultural produce that serves as raw materials for manufacturing activities.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bimbo Ashiru, explained that agro-allied raw materials could only be sourced and got for manufacturing activities if there was effective processing and preservation of farm produce that creates wealth and offers employment opportunities to teeming youths in the state.
He said businesses already established in the state would be provided with an enabling environment and liberal policies and be given platforms like the annual Gateway Trade Fair to showcase their products, services and exchange economic ideas that germinate, promote and boost the economy and that everything would be done to drive processing and preservation of farm produce and raw materials.
Governor Amosun, who noted that the Trade Fair has grown to become a very powerful means of marketing for various industrialists, suppliers and entrepreneurs that converge on a yearly basis to break new ground, said the current efforts at revitalising Nigeria’s comparative advantage in agriculture and agro-processing, makes the theme of the fair appropriate.
He said, ‘’Therefore, attention needs to be shifted to agriculture and its value chain. It is very important to note that our administration acknowledges the need for the promotion of agricultural value chain for the full recovery of our economy and a veritable avenue to diversify our economy.”
Earlier, the President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Adesola Adebutu, commended the State government for its support in creating conducive business environment.
