By Doris Esa

The Federal Government has restated commitment to revamp the rubber industry for economic growth of the country.

Dr Ernest Umakhihe,  Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated this on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the government was also committed towards diversifying the economy of the nation from oil  to agriculture, with focus on arable and cash crops for economic growth and development.

The ministry over the years prioritised and promoted the development of the Rubber Value Chain with the distribution of improved budded rubber stumps plating materials.

“We have also provided growth enhancers to farmers to raise plantations and the facilitation of training on nursery development as well as Tapping Techniques,” he said.

Umakhihe said that part of the initiative was the identification and management of White Rot Rubber Diseases under the Rehabilitatio, Management and Replanting of rubber farms across rubber producing states nationwide.

He said the ministry in collaboration with the Lohashilpi Sheeting Processing Technology,  established the Rubber Resource Centre (RRRC), in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.

Umakhihe urged the organisation to ensure full implementation of the plan by engaging the relevant stakeholders towards actualizing the dream for mass rubber production.

The permanent secretary reitrated readiness of the  ministry to support the initiative by creating an enabling environment for the business to thrive.

Also speaking, Prof. Joseph Adelegan, Executive Secretary of the IRSG, said that part of its mandate is to revive the rubber sub-sector and also stimulate investment in the sector.

He identified some of the challenges militating against rubber production to include low productivity due to old age, poor agronomic practices and continued use of low yielding seedlings among others.

Similarly, the Director, Tree Crops Division in the ministry, Mr Bernard Ukattah appealed to the agency  and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the programme.

The programme, he said, geared towards improving the rubber sub sector to achieve economic growth. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Sadiya Hamza