The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) Ogun State chapter has called for an aggressive exportation of Agricultural produce in the country.
Alhaji Tairu Sikirulahi Olanrewaju, Chairman, UNIFEMGA, Ogun State chapter stated this in a communique issued by the body, at the end of its second national annual agricultural programme, recently held at Valley View (Government House) Oke Igbeyin, Abeokuta.
The theme of the Programme was, Agricultural Export Potentials: panacea for National Economic Growth while topic centered on Harnessing Export Potentials in Agriculture.
The event brought together professionals and enthusiasts from public and private sectors in Agriculture. The experts invited to the programme proffered many solutions to the problems of agric products not being capable of exportations and other factors affecting process.
Participants at the event resolved that there are a wide amount of positives in the export business and it is high time Nigerians turn fully to it as a saving grace for the Nigerian economy and currency on the international market.
“Nigeria hitherto focused mainly on oil as a major export product, therefore exploration of the possibilities and expansion of Nigerian exports to non oil commodities especially agricultural commodities is a way to promote Nigerian economy.
“One of the highly demanded products on the international market include cashew and its various uses are not only beneficial for us but beneficial to the rest of the world hence its high demand. As a nation, our next line of action should be improved production and value additions.”
The body proffered the following recommendations:
i. To Citizens/Farmers going into exports,
find ways to carve out a niche in the value chain for whatever you’re interested in exporting.
ii. Be ready to persevere through the obstacles. Start forward on the path right now as the things you learn from experiences are a huge part of growth.
iii. Research best methods to ensure your products/produce are at the best conditions they can be.
iv. To the Governments and Policy Makers.
Battle insecurity to create a more serene environment for farmers to explore and grow their crop options.
v. Assign specific lands to remain untouched by urbanization to leave spaces for farming
vi. Give financial backing to organizations involved in researching the ways to create better crops and increase value through crop genetics. Cashew is one of the most lucrative crops to process and export.
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