Made-in-Nigeria tomatoes, tea to flood market soon

– Darius Ishaku, Taraba state governor, has said that his state has diversified into tomatoes, rice and tea production

– He said by January 2017 Nigerians would see fresh tomatoes made in Taraba

–  The governor also said the 3050 WM Mambilla power project would soon start

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state
In view of the economic recession, Darius Ishaku, Taraba state governor, has said that his state has diversified into tomatoes, rice and tea production, Leadership reports.

The governor speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa noted that Taraba state is known for agriculture, mining and tourism.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari  has set the course by diversification and Taraba is working on diversification.

Ishaku said: “Our problem is finance but we are doing our best in spite of the financial crunch and very soon we will start to get one or two of the plants or industries that were otherwise closed down, vandalized and looted completely. We want to start them going and that is why going to Germany was very useful to me.

“Already, we have started the green house project which Israelis are building for us and we are going to be bringing in tomatoes here.

“By January, you will see fresh tomatoes made in Taraba. Taraba rice is working but we are working on a bigger one. We are working on other fields as the corn and we are working and making sure that we have a lot of plantation. Of course, the Highland tea.

“I have just come from India, Dazley, where they are planting tea. We should be able to work on the tea so that the whole Island will be filled with tea. Our tea is registered as the second best in the world after Sri Lanka,” he added.

Meanwhile, the governor said the 3050 WM Mambilla power project would soon come on stream. 40 Chinese engineers visited the site located at Gembu accompanied by officials from the Federal Ministry Power, Works.

He said: “By the grace of God it will soon start. We are working hard toward its commencement and that will add 3050 megawatts to the grid and help the country in power requirements. It is one of the things that we will have to work seriously to make sure that the power shortage is stopped in the country.”