The Southwest Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Femi Oke, has said the plan of the Federal Government to establish food processing centres in the 774 local government areas of the country will boost rural job creation.
Oke recalled that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo told farmers at a meeting that the government intends to establish local processing centres to reduce food waste and boost economic activities in the rural areas.
He believes economic development starts within the community adding that the Federal Government efforts was a critical part of developing jobs and building a healthy local economy long-term.
Read Also: Maize farmers envisage bountiful harvest this year
This is because building a local food industry cluster focused on processing will support entrepreneurship, local jobs, food manufacturing and agriculture.
According to him, demand for food is huge and growing and it makes sense to grow and invest in farmers.
Oke sought the enhancement of farm incomes by offering a ready market for farm products, generate off-farm employment, and reduce rural–urban migration.
Stakeholders complained that rural-based food processing industries are mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and face such constraints as poor infrastructure, shortage of entrepreneurial talent and skilled manpower, limited access to appropriate technologies, volatile demand, and small profit margins.
Leave a Reply