The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, has expressed his administration’s readiness to eradicate poverty and guarantee food security through improved agricultural practices which included initiating public and private partnerships.
Odo gave the assurance on Monday during the flag-off Agricultural Public/Private Partnership Programme (PPPP or P4) between the local government and Resourceful Crop Farmers, at the council headquarters, Ogbede.
He said that his administration would focus on areas of comparative advantage in agriculture, adding that the programme was in line with the agenda of the state Gov. Peter Mbah in using agriculture to uplift the state’s economy.
Odo added that agriculture was a major way to lift people from poverty.
According to him, agriculture is expected to contribute over 17 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product.
“Igbo-Etiti council area has the capacity to support the agricultural programme of Enugu State Government.
“By 2026, we will make special budgetary provision for this Agriculture P4 programme in order to expand it.
“We have engaged farmers to plant five hectares of yam, cocoyam, pepper, cassava and beniseed,” Odo said.
The chairman, however, warned farmers against misusing fund provided by the government.
“You will account for every kobo given to you; it is a serious business,” he said.
Earlier, the Programme Coordinator, Mr Donatus Okpokoeze, said that under the Agriculture P4 Programme, farmers ready to enhance their agricultural practices, would have more opportunities.
According to Okpokoeze, the local government will finance production of crops, while farmers will provide land and services required for the production, under the arrangement.
“At the conclusion of the farming season, the cost price is deducted from the income in favour of local government that funded everything.
“The net profit is divided between the farmer and the local government on 70:30 ratio (local government 70 per cent and farmer 30 per cent).
“The farmer must provide a guarantor, who will stand for him or her to avoid abuse of the process,” he said.
