Diversification: ALGON unveils C-LAP in Agric sector

To enable a large utilization of scarce natural, physical and financial resources, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has unveiled a Comprehensive Local Agriculture Plan (C-LAP) in the agricultural sector.

C-LAP, an integrated and participatory action plan for the development of local government areas in agriculture and allied sector is aimed to assess plan for the infrastructure required to support the agriculture development in the country with a view to diversify the economy.

The project also envisages an increased emphasis on participation and partnerships between the public and the private sector, creating business opportunities for franchise operators, youths, reduce wastage of agricultural produce as there is a defined retail network to absorb production.

At the agricultural revolution Launching in Nigeria during the first annual International 2 days seminar at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday (yesterday), the director, projects and international Cooperation, Dr. Tanay Joshi, said the project will create over a million jobs,

saying that that the plan will enhance ability for achieving sustainable agricultural growth with food security and cropping system that will improve farmers’ income.

“C-LAP is a bottom up approach which aims to eliminate hunger through agriculture policy reforms and initiatives that will help small scale farmers achieve sustainable food supplies, provide jobs, access markets and increase exports significantly.

It will be implemented in the 774 local government areas over an initial five years period.

“Under this project, component of food security and livelihood enhancement have been given top priority. The project will intervene in all sectors of agriculture and in other to combat poverty and improve livelihood across the nation and assure food security”, he said.

The chairman, local organizing committee, Dr. Balraj Sikka, said the plan will create opportunities for private investors to invest in food chains and finally the Business can be taken to the capital market so that ALGON has a major benefit and sustain at its own.

“Aggregating 774 farms and linking these farms to a national retail chain, wholesale markets and mega food parks.

To address the forward linkages; the project will design food mart retail chain model to create a network that delivers the agricultural produces straight to the door step of the consumers.

“It will help to create opportunities for private investors to invest in food chains and the business finally taken to the capital market so that ALGON has a major benefit and sustainability”, he added.