FG Approves 10 billion for cassava Bread Fund

Posted by Cash On on 2013-07-25 0

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved
N10billion for the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development's
Cassava Bread Fund.
The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi
Adesina, disclosed the details of the
approval at a meeting organised for
directors and value-chain leaders of the
ministry to enable them give account of
their stewardship in the last one year.
Adesina, in a statement signed by the
Acting Director, Press/Public Relations in
the ministry, Mr. Greyne Anosike, said the
Presidenthad also agreed to inaugurate the
Youth Employment Programme, aninitiative
aimed at creating jobs through the
agricultural value chains.
The minister had last week hinted that
Jonathan had agreed to consider the
N10bn request for the Cassava Bread
Fund.
"This will be a year of greater success for
Nigeria's agriculture. We have the support
of Mr. President to turn around the
cassava sector. He has graciously agreed to
consider our initial request of close to
N10bn cassavafund to further explore the
potential of the cassava industry,"he said.
Adesina said the fund would be used to
support research and development efforts
on cassava bread, training of master
bakers and support the bakers in the
acquisition of new equipment for the
production of cassava bread.
He explained that the approval of the fund
was apt as it would enhance the cassava
Growth Enhancement Support scheme.