The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to tackle the issue of “portfolio farmers” as part of its efforts to enhance food sufficiency and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno made this known during the Akwa Ibom State Government Ministerial Briefing and End-of-Year Review held at the Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno explained that portfolio farmers claim to be farmers but do not engage in any agricultural activity and often exploit agricultural loans and facilities intended for genuine farmers.
This fraudulent practice, he said, undermines the state’s agricultural development goals.
To address this challenge, the governor disclosed plans to establish a Food Security Committee that will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to monitor farming activities across the state.
Additionally, a “farmers’ wallet” initiative will be introduced to ensure effective tracking and support for farmers.
“The wallet will be accessible to every legitimate farmer in Akwa Ibom, no matter where they are in the state. This will enable us to monitor farming activities and ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from government support,” Governor Eno stated.
He acknowledged that identifying real farmers could be a difficult process but stressed the need for transparency and due diligence in achieving the desired outcome.
“A verification committee will be set up to authenticate the claims of farmers. This will help the government work with true stakeholders in agriculture to achieve food sufficiency for the state,” he added.