Twelve different types of improved economic seedlings totalling seven thousand have been distributed to beneficiaries of Anambra State FG/IFAD VCDP across the eight participating council areas.
Inaugurating the distribution exercise tagged “Establishment of Tree Planting and Woodlot Plantation” in Awka, the Anambra State Programme Coordinator, FGN IFAD VCDP, Mr Nnamdi Agwuncha, explained that the beneficiaries are farmers that have processing centres.
Mr. Agwuncha instructed them to plant the seedlings at their processing centers, developed land sites, markets and intervention areas in replacement of the trees falled during project execution.
While also stating that the seedlings at maturity can serve as source of revenue for them and the state in general, absorb the carbon dioxide generated by their production machines and produce oxygen for healthy environment, Mr. Agwuncha informed that they can also serve as wind breakers and protect their structures.
He also emphasized that the exercise was aimed at supporting the government agenda in establishing Palm Plantation and making Anambra State green to achieve a clean environment.
Speaking, Anambra State Environment, Climate change officer, FGN IFAD VCDP, Miss Joy Nwabueze noted that the distribution of the economic seedlings was targeted at achieving the socio-economic mandate of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Responding, some of the beneficiaries including Mrs. Ifeoma Nzelu from Ochuche-Umuodu, Ogbaru Council Area and Mr. Paul Chukwualuka, from Mgbakwu, Awka North Council Area while testifying that the economic seedlings were disbursed free of cost to them despite their economic values, affirmed that they will surely aid in revenue generation and as well, mitigate effects of climate change.
They also defined Anambra State, FGN IFAD VCDP, as a life changer because of the numerous benefits they have recorded from it especially, building their capacities.
The distributed seedlings are avocado pear, ogbono, English guava, bitter kola, Igbo kola, sweet and ordinary orange, cashew, oil palm, masquerade tree, pear and bread-fruit.
