Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Perez Omoun has assured rubber producers, processors and marketers of government support towards rubber plantation in the state.
Omoun gave the assurance while addressing delegates of the National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, (NARPPMAN) who paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.
He said there was need for collaboration with the association, at a time when the government at every level was looking at a focus of diversifying from oil revenue.
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He said with the realistic reform in the MORE agenda of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, there was need to promote rubber plantation.
While highlighting the importance of cultivating rubber, the Commissioner said its multiplier economic benefits cannot be overemphasized.
He however frowned at how the economy of the country was swayed towards oil revenue and neglecting oil Palm, adding that it has caused the nation so much economic challenges.
Speaking the National President of the Association, Otunba Prince Igbinosun Peter, said though the state occupies the first position in the country in terms of rubber processing into secondary raw materials and the largest local supplier of rubber in the country, it has no rubber by-product manufacturing industry.
He said, in increasing internally generated revenue, reducing youth restiveness and open up economic corridors for smart business in the communities, there was need to revive the rubber sub sector by planting and rehabilitating 20,000 hectares of rubber plantation in the next ten years.
He requested that the state government relates with communities to build up land bank that can be accessible and available for developing rubber plantation and intercropping; improve on the existing infrastructure especially rural roads, bridges in order to facilitate haulage at a friendly rate.
Whilie outlining the challenges faced by the association, appealed that speedy consideration be given to their request,
Present at the event was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Ben Agamah, the state Chairman of the association, Chief Jahorus Daniel who was represented by Dcn. Obaife Isaac, amongst other members.
