The Imo State government has taken steps to boost the its economy by using the many opportunities that the agricultural industry presents.
This was stated as an expert spoke during a webinar on Saturday organised by the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Simon Ebegbulem.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the state government, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, moderated the event.
The African expert Ajuruchi Anthony, during the webinar stated the economic potential that can be maximized through the exportation of agricultural produce.
He emphasised on produce like pineapple, palm oil, spices and herbal products.
Anthony, who is also the state coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, said, “As an agency that is in charge of palm oil export in Nigeria and Imo State where I operate, we know that we have some products in Imo.
“We are blessed with palm produce and its derivatives like palm kernel, shell, melon, spices of various types and a lot of them.
“We also have vegetables in Imo State that we can also invest in, in the export business.”
The Punch reported that he encouraged people who are interested in investing to get in touch with the state office for further information.
He also assured them that the organization would support them by providing training and other resources.
One of the panellists, Appolonia Obiloma added, “We are into production, processing and packaging of herbal products, fruits and spices.”
She discussed the produce her organization exports from Imo, such cassava flour, to Togo and how it generates revenue.
An academic technologist at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Lilian Moses-Okoro, also spoke as one of the panelists.
To her, the exportation of food used to be a side hustle. As time went on, it became a full time business for the academic.
Lilian Moses-Okoro also mentioned the role of digital marketing in her business.
There were other panellists who spoke during the webinar.
Meanwhile, the Director General, Imo Investment Promotion Agency, Dr Jude Nzeakor co-moderated the webinar.
