PDP Condemns APC for Distorting Jonathan's Achievements in Agriculture

Strategic Insights -

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of distorting the facts on President Goodluck Jonathan's achievements in agriculture, labeling the opposition party as "liars and desperate individuals." The PDP national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, highlighted the unprecedented successes recorded in agriculture under Jonathan, including a quantum leap in domestic food production and international accolades from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

The PDP spokesman pointed to several achievements, including the expansion of domestic production by an additional 21 metric tonnes, exceeding the 20 million metric tonnes target set for 2015. He also noted that over 2.7 million farm jobs have been created and millions of farmers have been empowered to enjoy bumper harvests. Additionally, the administration has encouraged private sector investments, such as the Dangote Group's USD1 billion investment in commercial rice production and processing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP has condemned the APC for distorting President Jonathan's achievements in agriculture, labeling them as "liars and desperate individuals."
  • The administration has achieved a quantum leap in domestic food production, earning international applause from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
  • Nigeria has expanded domestic production by an additional 21 metric tonnes, exceeding the 20 million metric tonnes target set for 2015.
  • Over 2.7 million farm jobs have been created, boosting production in various agricultural sub-sectors.
  • Millions of farmers have been empowered to enjoy bumper harvests and access fertilizers, seedlings, and other farm inputs through special intervention initiatives.
  • The administration has encouraged private sector investments, including a USD1 billion investment in commercial rice production and processing by the Dangote Group.
  • President Jonathan has commissioned a 105,000 metric tonnes capacity integrated rice mill at Olams rice farm in Rukubi, Doma, Nasarawa State.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria has expanded domestic production by an additional 21 metric tonnes.
  • The 20 million metric tonnes target set for 2015 has been exceeded.
  • Over 2.7 million farm jobs have been created.
  • 14 million farmers have access to fertilizers through the e-wallet system.
  • USD1 billion has been invested in commercial rice production and processing by the Dangote Group.

Sources:

  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • Leadership newspaper
  • AllAfrica Global Media