Governor pledges to boost tea, rice production in Taraba

Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba has pledged to continue to support tea and rice farmers in the state in order to boost the production of the two crops.

Ishaku made the pledge on Tuesday evening in Jalingo when he hosted Muslim faithful in the state to a Ramadan breaking of the fast.

The governor told the people to embrace agriculture in order to change a situation where the state was completely dependent on the Federal Government for survival.

"I have already promised President that Taraba will meet 10 per cent of national tea demand by December 2016 and we are committed to achieving that.

"We have also committed resources to boost rice production and other crops in the state to improve the economy and feed the nation," he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ishaku recently inaugurated modern tea processing machines at the Kakara Tea Factory in Sardauna Local Government Area of the state.

He also promised to repair the cassava processing plant which broke down recently in order to encourage massive production of the commodity in the state.

Ishaku told the Muslims faithful in the state to continue to preach peace and live in unity with their neighbours irrespective of their religious affiliations.

In his remarks, Alhaji Inua Mafindi, the state Chairman of Muslim Council, thanked the governor for the gesture, saying it would go a long way in promoting the spirit of oneness among religious groups in the state.

Also, Rev. Ben Ubeh, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), urged the people of the state to eschew violence and embrace peace in their communities.

NAN reports that top government functionaries, traditional rulers, representatives of CAN, women groups, organised labour union leaders among others, attended the occasion.