By Nwaubani Chinaza Faith
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) both of Bayelsa State Coordinating Offices are set to host a media talk show to discuss the untapped potential of agro raw materials in Bayelsa State. This decision was reached during a meeting between the two State Coordinating Offices on the 21st of August, 2024 at SMEDAN, Bayelsa State Office when the RMRDC State Coordinator Mr. Ikona Eno Ibor paid them a working visit at Yenagoa recently.
Bayelsa State is blessed with abundant raw materials, among which are: plantain, timber, oyster, cassava, banana, shrimp, Cain wood, sugar cane, cocoyam, etc
However, a huge percentage of these products are consumed at the primary stage without value addition. The reasons are because of the producers’ lack of knowledge and the low level of industrial activity in the state. Thus, the media talk show is to stimulate potential investors to make investment decisions that will see to the setting up of industries that will put the agro raw materials resources to industrial use thereby creating jobs, wealth and increase the GDP. The event which is going to be a radio talk show to be co-hosted by RMRDC and SMEDAN is scheduled on a date yet to be decided by both organisations. In the meantime, logistics is being worked to ensure a smooth radio program.
The aim is to raise awareness about the economic opportunities presented by the state’s agricultural raw materials resources. Experts from both organizations will discuss the various agro raw materials available in Bayelsa State, their potential applications, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their development.
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Key topics to be covered during the talk show include:
Identification of valuable agro raw materials: A comprehensive overview of the agricultural resources found in Bayelsa State, including crops, livestock, and forestry products.
Market potential and demand: Analysis of domestic and international markets for agro raw materials derived from Bayelsa State.
Value addition and processing: Discussion of opportunities for transforming raw materials into high-value products to increase economic benefits.
Infrastructure and logistics: Examination of the challenges and potential solutions related to transportation, storage, and processing facilities.
Government policies and incentives: Exploration of government initiatives and support programs aimed at promoting the development of the agro-raw materials sector. By highlighting and promoting the potentials in agro raw materials in Bayelsa State, the RMRDC and SMEDAN State Coordinators hope to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable livelihoods for the state’s population and the nation at large.
Below are some of the agro-raw materials resources and their location in Bayelsa State:
|
S/N |
AGRO RAW MATERIAL |
LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOUND |
|
1 |
Fishery |
Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa |
|
2 |
Shrimps |
Brass |
|
3 |
Oyster |
Ekeremor, |
|
4 |
Cassava |
Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Sagbama, Yenagoa |
|
5 |
Plantain |
Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Sagbama, Yenagoa |
|
6 |
Cocoyam |
Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia |
|
7 |
Timber |
Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa |
|
8 |
Raffia Palm |
Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Sagbama, Yenagoa |
|
9 |
Cane Wood |
Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Sagbama Yenagoa |
|
10 |
Irvingia (Ogbono) |
Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama |
|
11 |
Rice |
Ogbia, Southern Ijaw |
|
12 |
Maize |
Yenagoa |
|
13 |
Palm produce |
Ogbia, Sagbama l, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa |
|
14 |
Yam |
Ogbia, Yenagoa |
|
15 |
Sugar Cane |
Ogbia |
