The Enugu State Government has officially commenced the distribution of 40,000 bags of fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to registered farmers across the state.
During the launch event, Governor Peter Mbah announced that more than 60,000 registered farmers would benefit from the latest phase of free support, which includes fertilisers, pesticides, and cassava stems.
He described the effort as a significant move toward achieving food security, reducing poverty, and promoting development in rural areas.
Governor Mbah emphasized that his administration remains committed to making agriculture a viable and profitable sector in Enugu State.
He highlighted previous support during the 2024 farming season, where 12,000 bags of fertiliser, power tillers, improved seedlings, cassava stems, and herbicides were distributed at no cost to farmers.
According to him, those interventions contributed to abundant harvests and have helped bring down food prices across the state.
“It is, therefore, a great pleasure for me to officially launch the distribution of over 40,000 free bags of fertiliser and essential farm inputs,” he stated.
Governor Peter Mbah has praised farmers as the foundation of society, acknowledging their critical role in ensuring food security and driving economic development.
“Our farmers are the strength of our communities — they cultivate the land and sustain us. Without their efforts, there can be no food, no development, and no progress,” he said.
The governor disclosed that Farm Estates, each covering 200 hectares, are being developed in all 260 political wards of the state. These estates will be equipped with modern irrigation systems, warehouses, tractor bays, and stable power infrastructure.
He also announced that 102 tractors had already been delivered, with an additional 98 on the way, while plans are underway to assemble 800 more at the state’s new tractor assembly facility in Enugu.
Highlighting agriculture as a strategic economic driver, Mbah said the Enugu State Polytechnic in Iwollo is being upgraded into a University of Agriculture.
The institution will focus on training future experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the agricultural sector.
The governor further reiterated that Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and Agricultural Transformation Centres are being established across all three senatorial districts of the state.
He assured that the distribution of free agricultural inputs would go directly to farmers who are registered in the state’s official database, eliminating the involvement of middlemen or any political influence.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, commended Governor Mbah for spearheading what he described as a transformative agricultural movement across the state.
Mr. Patrick Ubru, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, noted that several previously neglected agricultural assets have been restored under Governor Mbah’s leadership. These include the Enugu United Palm Products, Ada Rice Irrigation Scheme, Ojor and Mgbagbu Owa irrigation projects, and the Sunrise Flour Mill.
He also outlined a range of new agricultural initiatives being driven by the administration.
These include the establishment of the Enugu State Livestock Productivity Centre, a Cocoa Development Initiative aiming to cover 3,000 hectares by the year 2027, and a large-scale greenhouse farming programme targeting the installation of 2,000 greenhouses by 2026.
Additionally, dedicated export warehouses for cashew processing are being set up to boost value addition and export capacity.
Ubru further applauded the governor for approving the funding of crop insurance premiums, a move designed to protect farmers from losses caused by climate-related events and pest infestations.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu Chapter, Mr. Romanus Eze, also commended Governor Mbah for living up to his promises to the farming community.
“The governor has not just provided us with agricultural inputs,he has brought modern mechanisation right to our doorstep. He pledged 1,000 tractors, and today, that commitment is visibly taking shape,” Eze stated.
Likewise, the Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, praised Governor Mbah as a leader who delivers on both major and minor commitments with equal dedication.
He noted that the distribution of agricultural inputs across all wards demonstrates a governance approach that is inclusive and ensures that the benefits of development reach every part of the state.
