HORTSON advocates establishment of citrus belt

The Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON) has called for the establishment of citrus (orange) belts and massive investment in horticulture in order to boost fruits and vegetables production for local consumption and export. Making the call on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society, the President-in-Council, Dr. Bala M. […]

The Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON) has called for the establishment of citrus (orange) belts and massive investment in horticulture in order to boost fruits and vegetables production for local consumption and export.
Making the call on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Society, the President-in-Council, Dr. Bala M. Giginya, said that citrus belts were needed to replace the existing orange plantations across the country, especially in the fadama areas.
Dr. Bala, who decried the importation of fruits and vegetables and their concentrates into the country, noted that serious investment in production and processing of the crops was needed to stop the draining of our economy.
Also speaking at the conference, Prof. B. Y. Abubakar, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, highlighted the importance of horticulture to the nation by citing a survey conducted in 2011, which found that more than 40% of food consumed by Nigerians come from horticulture.