Imo state government has disclosed plans to engage in massive rice
production under the agricultural transformation programme.
Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha made the disclosure at Arondizuogu, Ideato
North LGA while speaking in a thanksgiving church service in honour of
the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency at the National
Assembly, Hon. Eddy Mbadiwe.
The governor stated that government has entered into negotiation with
some experts from Thailand to commence massive production and
processing of rice at a location in Arondizuogu, Ideato North.
He said “As I am speaking, the state government has commenced
negotiation with a team of experts in rice production who are already
in the state. Our intention is to ensure that we produce enough rice
for local consumption and commercial purposes. Therefore, the
Arondizuogu Rice Mill has been taken over by government and with the
aid of these experts, we will commence cultivation and processing of
rice in a commercial quantity.”
Gov. Okorocha added that similar steps have been taken to ensure that
each community in the state plants at least 20,000 improved palm
seedlings.
The governor, however expressed that the state under the ongoing
agricultural transformation would be economically independent even as
massive job opportunities would be created for the teeming unemployed
youths.
He restated the commitment of his administration to remain focused in
the bid to rebuild Imo into a model state with vast investment
opportunities.
The Lawmaker representing Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency,
Hon. Jerry Alagbaso enjoined all Imolites to support the governor in
his good work, describing Gov. Okorocha as a ‘detribalized man’ who
sees the entire Imo as his constituency.
Also speaking, the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency,
Hon. Onyewuchi Ezenwa urged the governor to remain focused with his
massive transformation projects, adding that the governor’s economic
programmes will make Imo an economic viable state with great
investment opportunities.
