By Moses Nosike
THE diversification of the economy through refocusing on agriculture is a good point for a sustainable economic development. This refocusing will not only impact positively on micro, but also the  small and medium enterprises sub-sector. It’s a globally endorsed engine for economic growth and development.

Chief Executive officer, Lead Consultant, Mr. Young Okezie, an expert in small and medium scale enterprises, stated that to obtain economic growth and development in the country, it is advisable that every state and the Federal Capital territory be encouraged to have a strong, vibrant and implementable agricultural policy.

He said, agriculture in Nigeria is much more than a means of livelihood. It’s a way of life, particularly for the rural dwellers. Agriculture in Nigeria plays multiple roles, a source of employment and about 70 percent provides food for the populace, core livelihood for most Nigerians and provides raw materials for the local agro-based industries.

According to him, in 1960, agriculture and crude oil exports contributed about 89 percent and 2.7 percent respectively to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. Today it’s a dismal reversal that has exposed Nigeria’s inability to absorb economic shocks, brought in food insecurity and made the economy fragile.

Okezie said, federal government’s renewed attention to agriculture in general, Cocoa and other cash crops in particular is a welcome development and to ensure the sustainability of this, govt should ensure that there is a strong public private partnership to drive this programme.

The FG has set up a committee on Cocoa and may also set other committee for the cash crops where all the stake holders will be involved.