Date Published: 12/08/09

AK Govt. to sign MoU with Israeli Govt on mechanised farming

Akwa Ibom Government may soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Israeli Government on mechanised agriculture to boost food sufficiency and create employment opportunities for the teeming populace in the state.

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio who disclosed this Monday when a team of experts in agriculture from Nigeria and Israel paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Uyo restated government determination to venture into mechanised farming as a way of diversifying the economy and reducing hunger in the land.

Akpabio expressed satisfaction with Israeli government competence in mechanized farming which accounts for the Country’s foreign exchange earnings and food sufficiency for the people.   

He recalled that the team came as a result of earlier Israeli Ambassador’s visit to Akwa Ibom State, assuring to collaborate with the visiting team.

While urging the team to match words with actions for the realization of the proposed pact, the State Chief Executive Officer noted that the partnership would benefit both parties.

The Governor who described agriculture as a veritable tool for revenue and employment generation commended Akwa Ibom team of experts for their good representation overseas.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Etok Ekanem hinted that the governor had last year approved and mandated a team of experts made up of himself and the Commissioner for Finance to Malaysia and other parts of the world to source for the best seedlings for planting in Akwa Ibom soil. 

With the mandate, Ekanem said, the team proceeded to Israel through a link with a Nigerian agro-based Framant Limited to solicit assistance from Israeli company, Agricde to venture into mechanized farming especially livestock, fishery as well as explore other areas of partnership.

An Israeli agriculture expert, Mr. Mushe Galai who represented the foreign company applauded the state government’s efforts towards the socio-economic development of the state.

Galai reiterated their readiness to boost agricultural produce of the state through the use of improved seedlings, hybrids and modern farming implements, pledging their commitment to meeting the state government expectations.

The manager of a Nigerian agro-based company, Mr. Emeka Mba had earlier assured that the project if supported will earn the state about $500 million.

Mba mentioned, among other things, the benefits of the investment to include creating jobs for more than 400 unemployed people, pointing out that the various people-oriented projects such as Ibaka Seaport, among others.