The Prime Minister, Benvinda Levi, challenged the Cotton and Oilseeds Institute of Mozambique (IAOM) to be more proactive in the strategic transformation of the agricultural value chain, with a focus on increasing the production, industrialization, marketing and export of crops such as cotton, sisal, soya, sesame and sunflower..

The challenge was launched last Thursday (17) during the swearing-in ceremony of Edson de Almeida, IAOM's new director-general.

In her speech on the occasion, Benvinda Levi, quoted by Terra MagazineHe recalled that the creation of the IAOM is aimed at boosting the sector, reducing external dependence and promoting domestic production of cooking oil, by-products and feed.

De Almeida's mission will be to guarantee not only the growth of production, but also improved productivity and profitability for producers.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the promotion of quality seeds, environmental protection in agricultural practices and effective technical assistance as priorities.

"The IAOM should be aligned with the Mozambique National Industrialization Programme (PRONAI), promoting the sustainable use of national raw materials and contributing to the gradual replacement of imports of cooking oil and its derivatives," she said.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for action based on technical standards and the strengthening of value chains, as a way of boosting the agricultural sector and improving the incomes of families involved in production.

Edson de Almeida takes over the leadership of the newly created institute in a context where innovation, concrete results and a direct impact on the lives of Mozambican producers are expected.

(Photo DR)