Farmers lose 40% of yield due to poor storage - PHACCIMA agric boss

The Agricultural Supervisor, Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA), Mike Elechi, has attributed the low enthusiasm in the Agriculture Sector to its capital intensive and risky nature.

Elechi said this when he spoke in a chat with newsmen at Vintage Farm at the week end in Elele, Ikwerre Local

Government of the State.

He said no farmer can boast of more than 60 per cent sales of his products after production due to lack of storage facilities. The PHACCIMA Agriculture Superior, who also is the Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director of vintage Farm and Products, said such experience could be sort of discouragement for many intending farmers.

He reasoned that most people would not be moved to venture into the sector after such horrible experience of 40 per cent business loss which was no fault of theirs. “Agriculture is capital intensive and risky, that is why few people are in it. Not everyone would have the zeal or enthusiasm to venture into the same business after encountering loss due to lack of storage facilities”, he said.

But he had reiterated that the agricultural sector remains a huge revenue spinner, capable of turning the fortunes of any nation on proper usage and maintenance.

Using the palm tree as a case study, he said it has up to 33 different products which could not only go for export, but other local usage and benefits.

According to him, the waste product of the kernel shell could be used as asphalts, if properly researched.

On the move by the state governor, Nyesom Wike, to revive the agricultural sector of the state, he admitted it as an excellent idea capable of employment generation.

The Vintage Farm boss also hinted that at the execution of the Gov Wike’s idea, it would move most of the boys from the bush to the industry.

As a way forward, he was of the view that the comatose state-owned Rubber Plantation at Okomoko in Etche could be changed to other products that would meet up with the present economic demands of the state.

Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is not leaving his party, the PDP, to any party, not even the APC. For weeks, people have been calling knowledgeable persons in the Garden City to inquire if truly Wike was set to decamp. The notion grew louder in the altercation between him and then outgoing governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson. The Bayelsa governor had alleged that Wike was knocking at APC’S door. When the PDP asked to settle them, Wike seemed to shun the effort.