A professor of Agriculture and Economics at the University of Port Harcourt, Peter Ekunwe has blamed the delay in creating the value chain business model in the agricultural sector on lack of knowledge and over dependence on oil and gas.
Professor Ekunwe in an interview with our reporter also said that lack of investment by government at all levels and given out loans to political cronies instead of farmers will continue to hinder value chain in the agricultural sector.
The professor of Agriculture and Economics in the University of Port Harcourt also said, both state government, farmers, and youth stand to benefit hugely from the agriculture if the value chain model is created.
The professor stated that one of the reasons it is so difficult, is the fact that a lot of people who deal with agricultural products, do not understand some of the technical know how or some of the product that value addition can be derived from.
He also said that, even those who have the knowledge, it is so difficult because there is the issue of financial constraints.
The professor of Agriculture and Economics at the University of Port Harcourt however explained that creating of value chain analysis (VCA) is important so that the actors can make informed choices, including those who want to support it like the policy makers and donors.
Professor Ekunwe further explained that the economic value of agriculture produce is multiplied if the value chain of the product is strong, efficient and sustainable.
