Nigerians urged to see agric as business

The Community of Agricultural Stakeholders of Nigeria (CASON) has said it was high time stakeholders in the agriculture sector began to see agric as a serious business that must yield profit, adding that the business of agric has gone beyond the hoe and knife affair.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Lagos on the 2nd edition of Agrikexpo (pan West African international agricultural exhibition) slated for July 11-13, 2013 at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Sotonye Anga, coordinator, agribusiness development, CASON, said: “Nigeria’s agriculture is in a new era. There’s the need to send a strong message to that effect. Things have changed. We are looking at an agriculture that will put food on our table, create jobs for our young people, empower citizens and reduce the problem of insecurity and other challenges we have as a country. We are looking at an agriculture that will transform and bring about massive national development for Nigeria and for the Nigerian people. And to achieve these, we have to look at ways that will lead to scientific development of agriculture.”

Anga, who spoke on the essence of the Agrikexpo, said it was aimed at pulling together stakeholders for pure business transactions.

“The Agrikexpo is a platform where farmers, distributors, processors, donor agencies, research institutes, exporters and big time buyers will meet for mutual benefits. The Agrikexpo is creating a pure platform where stakeholders in the sector will meet. It is a one stop shop for those who have business with agric. I must tell you that every human being is a stakeholder. Agrikexpo gives opportunity for networking and serious integration.”

Anga, who also is the public relations officer (PRO), Cashew Exporters Association of Nigeria, said, “The expo is very important because it is in line with the Federal Government transformation agenda. Agrikexpo is making the work of the minister of agriculture easy, and it is making the work of government easy because people will have a complete experience that will boost their businesses. It is a very good initiative, that’s why we in CASON have given our total support. We are completely associated with Agrikexpo.”