Efio-Ita Nyok|17 July 2016|6:02AM
Cross River foremost Public Affairs Analyst, Prince Thomas Abi Jr., has expressed great displeasure over government's lack of interest in industralizing the plantain in the state.
He has called on Gov. Ayade to industrialize the plantain produced across the state.
Prince Abi described that Plantain agriculture in the state as one that has the capacity to generate jobs for the unemployed in Cross River and as well boost the revenue of the state.
“The Plantain produced by our people in Biase, Akamkpa, Etung, Ikom, Obanlikwu and Boki Local government areas can change the economic fortunes of the good people of Cross River State. The government of Cross River State must key into the Plantain produced by local farmers in the state. For the records, the plantain produced by our farmers is about the best in Nigeria. So why can't we create wealth from our plantain”?
He said plantain is most sought after in the market and that he was deeply pained by the fact that farmers in the state spend months and years on their Plantain plantation and at the end of the day go home with very paltry sums as proceeds.
“The government of Gov. Ayade as a matter of urgency should set up a plantain processing factory in Cross River. We can produce plantain flour, which is rich in Vitamins and it is a delight for people suffering from Cholesterol related diseases and illnesses, Obesity, Diabetes and Gallstone. Plantain is rich in energy, I would suggest that we immediately industrialize the Plantain without wasting time “.
“Industralizing the Plantain in the state would create jobs, increase food security and grow the Gross Domestic Product of the state (GDP). So we must explore this opportunity”.
He further called on well meaning Cross Riverians to key into building plantain factories in the state, stating that it would further reduce the over reliance on government for appointments or jobs.
