•Says agric varsities now under him
From Magnus Eze, Abuja
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has enjoined Nigerians to be patient with government, assuring that the current food shortage in the country would be over in two years.
The minister stated this when Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano visited him in his office.
Ogbeh also disclosed that the ministry has reclaimed all the Federal Universities of Agriculture and commenced the process of training 100,000 extension workers across the local government area in the country.
The minister, who stated government’s determination to stop cows from roaming farms and streets in search of frazing in the next 18 months, commended the serious commitment of Governor Obiano to agricultural sector and promised to support the state in the ministry’s programmes.
He said the ministry would be willing to help the state in fish fingerling production and other areas of the sector to boost food production in the country.
The Minister advised the governor against the use of NPK 15-15 fertilizer which according to him destroys the soil, while encouraging the state to consider the use of lemon grass to tackle the erosion problems in the state.
He further applauded the State for improving its rice production capacity from 80,000 metric tons to 210,000 metric tons.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Obiano said the State has been doing well in commercial agriculture, stating that it spent almost N150 million last year to boost seedlings.
The Governor who disclosed that Anambra has commenced the exportation of punkin leaves (Ugu) and bitter leaves to the United Kingdom, said about N20 million was used for the training of farmers on packaging of the produce for exportation.