LOCAL MANUFACTURING OF AGRIC MACHINES TO COMMENCE IN IMO STATE
The Federal Government says it will soon commence local manufacture of agricultural machines to boost farming in the country.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, gave the indication during an inspection visit to the Agricultural Machinery and Development Institute being established at Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Dr. said when completed, the Institute would be dedicated to research, design and maintenance of machines used for agricultural processes while the actual manufacture of the machines would be undertaken by the organized private sector.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the level of job done at the site, noting that the project was in line with the efforts of the Buhari-led administration to commercialize agriculture and achieve food security.
The Director Planning and Policy Analysis, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, explained that the project commenced in 2012 but suffered poor funding until last year when the Federal Government appropriated fund to execute the job.
She expressed the hope that the Institute would commence operation within the next one year.
Our Correspondent reports that the people of Mbutu used the visit to express gratitude to the Federal Government and promised to secure the project.
CHINAZO ILECHUKWU