In the wake of food scarcity raging across East and South Africa, Nigeria has taken steps to ensure it is checked in the country. On Monday, Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, inaugurated $129.17 million agricultural scheme to address food insecurity in the country. This scheme is part of the government’s drive to diversify and grow the economy.

The scheme which was flagged off in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is expected to firstly benefit the nine oil-producing states in the country before spreading across the other parts of the country.

The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo and Ogun.

“The project is part of the federal government drive to diversify the nation’s export earnings as well as alter its economic growth strategy. The project’s objective is to enhance income generation, food security and job creation for rural youths and women through agro-enterprise development,” Alhaji Nanono said.

He added, “The federal government has identified top agricultural commodities for implementation in the Niger Delta such as cassava, plantain, rice, fish, cocoa, oil palm and poultry. This project over the years has witnessed poor access to land; poor access to credit as well as few reliable market outlets.”

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com