A return to full-scale practical agriculture has been cited as cure to the prevailing excruciating effects of economic crunch in the country.
Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, made this assertion, while interacting with members of the state’s Farmers Cooperative Union in Umuahia.
He said that the strategic position of agriculture in enhancing economic development of the country cannot be over emphasized.
“Agriculture has a way of addressing poverty and providing needed raw materials for industries, and creating job opportunities for people, as crude oil is not renewable. We can’t ignore agriculture any more, but introduce ways to change our crude methods in order to attract youths to agriculture,” he said.
President and leader of the union, Mr. Uzoma Nwaogwugwu told the governor that his union is ready to complement and collaborate government’s drive to enhance food production. He added that his union, which comprises 64 cooperatives, had already mapped out improved agricultural techniques in rural areas towards boosting agriculture.