7th August, 2016
Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has called for a ban on the export of primary farm produce as part of strategies to ensure food sufficiency in the country.
Aregbesola made the call in Osogbo on Sunday in a statement he issued by his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon.
The governor opined that the ban would enhance the value chains of the nation’s agricultural investments.
He also urged the government to fashion out measures that would make agriculture attractive to a new generation of young Nigerians.
He noted that this would be a viable option towards economic diversification, adding that Nigeria had yet to show serious efforts towards making farming a viable venture.
“We should stop exporting primary produce and start adding value.
“The value of a kilogramme of exported cocoa beans increases 5,000 percent by the time it comes back as chocolate,” the governor said.
Aregbesola said the nation’s agriculture must be directed towards producing what the country needs and not what it could only export.
“The orientation of our agriculture towards producing raw materials, especially cash crops, for the industries in Europe and the America must be reversed.
“Agriculture is needed primarily for food production; only well-fed people can drive economic development.
“Good nutrition is the primary basis of good health which drives productivity and energy,” he said.