Anambra state government led by Professor Chukwuma Soludo will distribute over one million seedlings to households next year, 2024.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in Anambra state Dr. Forster Ihejiofor made this revelation while answering questions from house correspendents after appearing before the assembly committees of Finance and Appropration Chaired by Hon. Ejike Okechukwu and Committee on agriculture chaired by Hon. Golden Iloh during the budget defense and bilateral discussion.
According to the commissioner, “We have reach out to about hundrend and thirty thousand (130,000) households in Anambra with one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) oil and coco nut palm seedlings which most familes get over five seedling each.
“This year (2023) we spent over seven hundred million on oil and coco nut palm, next year (2024) we are spending two billion.
“In the next three years, when this seedlings are processed and sold, it will give the households atlist 1.2 million.
“Next year, we are targeting to give atlist additional five of this seedlings to those same families making it ten seedlings per household.
” The strategy of the solution government is to strengthen, develop and transform the economy from the bottom by creating a sustainable means of livelihood.
” The value chain activities in this crops will transform industrialization and sustainable profitable jobs for ndi Anambra which will still benefit government through tax.
” Over 70 percent of ndi Anambra live in the rural areas and are all into small farming. This economic trees will strengthen their livelyhood which will strengthen the state”. Ihejiofor said
Anambra Assembly House Committee Chairman on Agriculture Hon. Golden Iloh in an interview with reporters said the budget is realistic and achievable.
The lawmaker maintained that the distribution of the seedlings such as coco nut and palm trees will reduce poverty to the bearest minimum in the coming years.
