The trucks are given to the cooperative association on loan, which would be paid over the course of the coming years. Moreover, the move is in line with the Regional Rice Value Chain Project, whose micro-financial component is being steered by SDF.
"Agriculture is the basis and it is one of the strongest pillars for development. Without agriculture, we cannot do anything. Why? Because our food comes from agriculture. When we talk of food security, it is agriculture. At the same time, when we talk of income, it is agriculture, the quickest means of reducing poverty is agriculture."
He disclosed that at the Ministry their aim is not to just strive for self-sufficiency, but also to establish and entrench the business component of agriculture.
That, he said, would not only help achieve the country’s food self-sufficiency drive by producing enough for households, but also for export.
"Eat enough and export. This is our focus now and it is our priority and our sense of direction," he said.
As a state institution shouldering agricultural matters, he added that they are mandated to develop policies, programmes and strategies and give technical advice to local farmers on ways to improve production and productivity of crops and livestock.
He also spoke of the Ministry's readiness to ensure these objectives are met.
