The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to realizing its vision of agricultural prosperity, aiming to enhance food sufficiency within the state by establishing a comprehensive database for farmers,and providing essential farm inputs.
Speaking during the commencement of the 2024 farming season in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Monica Ironkwe, outlined key strategies to achieve this goal.
According to the commissioner, to bolster agricultural productivity, the state will establish a comprehensive database for farmers, provide essential farm inputs, and eliminate counterfeit middlemen from the value chain.
She emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in elevating Abia State among its counterparts and outlined nine strategies to accomplish this objective.
These strategies include the establishment of processing and storage facilities, the introduction of medium-scale feed mills, collaboration with research institutes for improved seedlings, and fostering primary and secondary cooperative societies. Furthermore, the government plans to enhance infrastructure, promote cluster farming, and organize educational seminars and workshops.
Professor Ironkwe urged all Abians to embrace agriculture as a means of livelihood and economic empowerment, emphasizing its potential to deter youth involvement in criminal activities, thus enhancing socio-economic stability.