The Akwa Ibom State Government, through its ARISE Grant initiative, has empowered 200 farmers across the state to scale food production and improve agricultural output.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, disclosed this during an interaction with farmers in Uyo on Tuesday.
Offor said that the meeting was to chart a way forward for the 2026 planting season, and prepare farmers to ensure improved yields in the year.
“The Arise Grant is an initiative by Gov. Umo Eno’s government, offering up to N500,000 grants for home-based farmers, youth, schools, and fish farmers, to boost food security.
“It is part of the broader ARISE Agenda, focusing on agriculture, supported by the state’s Ministry of Agriculture.
“The Arise Grant encourages household food production, creates income, and strengthens local food systems,” he said.
He called on farming groups to embrace unity and form cooperative societies in order to thrive in the sector.
In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Mr Bassey Inwang, said that the meeting was to bring together all heads of commodities farmers, under AFAN, to interact and plan ahead for the new year planting.
Inwang said that the meeting also provided a platform to deliberate on the challenges faced by farmers in the state, to assess the achievements recorded in 2025, and to plan for 2026.
He then thanked the state government on behalf of farmers, for the support and assistance in providing improved seedlings and inputs in 2025.
