Anambra state government on Thursday June 15 2023 flagged off 2023 farming season at Dr. Alex Ekwueme squre, Awka.
Speaking at the event, Anambra Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim in his address stated that agriculture is a very strong piller and part of the agenda of the state.
Ibezim who represented Soludo reiterate that the present administration is in love with agriculture.
“Agriculture has the power to influence the economic clemate of the state. Because of its critical function, agriculture plays a major part in the economy of all countries around the world.
“By 2023, the population is predicted to reach eight billion and by 2050, it will reach nine billion. As a result of this, food production needs to raise by 70 percent which might cause food crises especially in developing nations giving the raise of clemate change.
“We are already witnessing escalation of food prices in our markets. Imagine what the situation will be like in the next ten years if we do not invest in agriculture.
” We are dedicated in leveraging agriculture as a vehicle for wealth creation and a catalyst to spark economic industrial activities in Anambra. We intend to make palm oil, the new crude oil an abaundant resources that will fuel economic growth, create jobs and uplift our people from the shackles of poverty and criminality”. The governor said.
Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Forster Ihejiofor in his speech maintained that farming is not just about producing food but also about preserving our environment and ensuring the sustainability our food system.
“As we move forward in this farming season, i urge all farmers to embrace biological farming practices. This involves the use of biological inputs such as bio-complete-compost, vermi-compost, and microbial inoculants, which are derived from plant and animal sources. It also includes multi-crop/livestock integration, cover cropping, minimum tillage, and the use of natural pest control methods such as the introduction of beneficial insects.
” I want to to reiterate the importance of biological farming as a sustainable solution to our agricultural and ecological challenges. I look forward to a productive season and urge all farmers to embrace this approach as we work together towards a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector”. The commissioner said.
Anambra state Agricultural Development Program (ADP) manager, Sir. Jude Nwankwo in an interview revealed that the mandate of ADP is to ensure delivery to farmers.
“We are lucky to have an agricultural friendly governor and am appealing to ndi Anambra, the wealthy to invest in agriculture. The richest person in America is a farmer and i believe that if individuals key-in, it will be a win for all of us.
“Any innovation or technology that comes in, we always makes sure that farmers get them and put them to practice’ Nwankwo explained.
Transition committee Chairman of Ekwusigo local governmnt, Hon. Chimezie Obi in an interview commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for giving the people of Ekwusigo 24 thousand seeds of coconut and palm seedlings this year.
“The economy of Anambra state will be better in the nearest future because agriculture has the potential of changing the futunes of the state and elevate the citizens from poverty. I thank the governor for his vision and thoughtfulness.
Transition committee Chairman of Oyi local government, Hon. Emmanuel Nweke in an interview with reporters urged ndi Anambra to invest in agriculture.
“White colar job is no longer avaliable. Agriculture is the main thing and the way forward. Its not just for old people. Am encouraging our youths to get involved. The oil money is going down everyday and agriculture has taking over”.
High point of the event was the inspection of farm products by the Anambra deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim along side other stakeholders
