The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere has pledged to revamp the agricultural sector if elected, saying that it will be in his first-line priority area.
Madumere made the statement while fielding questions from select newsmen Thursday evening on his arrival at Port-Harcourt International airport, Rivers State.
He described agriculture as the mainstay of any economy, saying that any State that is not self-reliant in food production and cannot feed its populace is a failed State.
He, however, acknowledged there is need for re-invention of more functional policies to improve agriculture in the State, which he said is not at per with the rapid growth in population.
He therefore vowed to change the tide. He said his team is fine tuning a blueprint with which to help food growers increase their yields and also create markets and opportunities for higher value for their produce.
His words: “Agriculture is the mainstay of any economy including the world largest economies. If elected by the good people of Imo State, I have an approach that will make agriculture very attractive. Of course, we must find a way to make agriculture attractive to our people. Technology and well researched policy trust will change our status in agriculture and it is achievable.
“More importantly, we shall make farming a delightful vocation because of the incentives and other values we are going to bring into it. I am happy these days when I hear our youths say, ‘I am a farmer.’ These ones we need encouragement first.”
Madumer said he is satisfied with the wealth of experience he has garnered in the course of serving as the Deputy Governor of Imo State. He added that God has exposed him to the key contacts, with which he can leverage on to better the lots of the people of the State.