News in Brief:
– Enugu State, partnering with IFAD, launched 77 projects across five LGAs to boost agriculture and rural livelihoods.
– These include rice mills, boreholes, processing centers, and market stalls, aiming to empower farmers, reduce losses, and achieve rice self-sufficiency within a few years.
The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has inaugurated 77 projects aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector and enhancing rural livelihoods across five local government areas (LGAs).
These initiatives include rice milling centers, solar-powered boreholes, cassava processing facilities, market stalls, and more, implemented in Aninri, Enugu East, Nkanu East, Isi Uzo, and Udenu LGAs.
Expected benefits of the IFAD projects on Enugu state farmers
According to a news report, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, said the projects align with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to eradicate poverty and develop agriculture.
Also, he stressed the projects’ role in empowering farmers, reducing post-harvest losses, and adding value to their produce.
Furthermore, Ubru referenced the solar-powered boreholes implemented in Mbulu Owo and Amechi Idodo, fulfilling the Governor’s pledge to provide water within 180 days of his inauguration. He also announced the upcoming construction of a Special Agro-Processing Zone in Mbulu Owo, replicable across the state’s three senatorial zones.
Expressing optimism, Ubru projected that state could be self-sufficient in rice production within the next few years and highlighted plans for agricultural mechanisation and attracting investors as well. He encouraged farmers to be hopeful, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Dr. Michael Okpara, the Premier of Eastern Region.
Praises for IFAD-Enugu initiative
Meantime, Dr. Edward Isiwu, State Project Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, commended the governor for paying three years’ worth of counterpart funding, enabling the swift execution of projects. He expressed gratitude to him, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and the IFAD for their collaborative efforts.
Additionally, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, represented by Juliet Okonkwo, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, applauded the farmers’ contribution to food security and assured them of continued government support.
Lovelyn Ejim, Chairperson of the Chidiebube Farmers Rice Association, lauded the intervention, expressing that the projects have brought joy to rural farmers and will motivate them to increase rice production.
