Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said it is committed to encouraging youths to embrace agriculture.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi, said this on Saturday, in a statement by the Director of Information, Alhaji Salisu Na'inna.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oyemomi said this while at the launch of a Garri Processing Plant constructed by Miss Halima Isemekona, a National Youth Service Corps member, in Orozo, Abuja.
He lauded the initiative of the corps member,urging the youth to emulate her. He also advised the Orozo leaders and people to guard the project against theft and vandalism by hoodlums.
In her remarks, Isemekona said she was inspired to embark on the project by the problems farmers encountered in Orozo andits environs. She explained that farmers usually trekked long distances to process their cassava produce.
The corps member noted that the plant would reduce post-harvest cassava losses, empower the youths and women in agriculture, as well as ensure food security.
The Coordinator, NYSC, FCT, Mr. Frank Ekpenobi, called on the communities to tap into the expertise of corps members for their mutual benefit. He urged incoming corps members to build on the legacies of their predecessors through initiation of similar projects.