ANAMBRA State government is set to distribute some farm equipment to 820 registered farmers to enhance food production in the state.

Governor Willie Obiano made this known during the off of 2017 Trade Fair at Ekwueme Square, Awka.

The fair was being organised under the Association of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ACCIMA.

The theme of the fair is: “National Economic Recovery Though Agribusiness Optimisation”.

There were several products on display including food items and other Agro products.

Obiano said the state provided useful facilities for different cooperative societies to register in the state data base, so as to benefit from agricultural largesse of his administration.

“What we are doing in agriculture is to promote food sufficiency through implementation of various agriculture policies.

“We have some equipment to distribute to the farmers. The equipment were acquired in partnership with United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, aimed at enhancing food production.

“My administration has also partnered with Tiger Foods Company for export of vegetables. Right now, we have started exporting dry vegetables, which is less expensive and will increase the volume of export.

“All these vegetables being exported will be added to a million tubers of yam the state had exported to the U.S., that will continue to sustain the economic strength of the state.’’

“Anambra today has the best rice; we are producing farrow 44, which is the best so far.

“We will surpass the consumption capacity in the state; from 320,000 metric tons to 375,000 metric tons..

“Some of the equipment to be distributed includes miller and cassava stem,” Obiano added.

He urged the people to embrace agriculture and form different cooperatives to enjoy the seedlings the state had mapped out.

Chris Ngige, the minister of Labour and Productivity, who was represented by Mike Mbata, the South East Zonal director, National Directorate of Employment hailed the efforts of  Obiano in agriculture.

He noted that Obiano promoted agriculture in the state and urged the citizenry to invest massively in mechanised Agriculture to enhance food production in the country.

Afam Mbanefo, the commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing and Export, stressed the commitment of the present administration toward promoting Agriculture and providing the enabling environment for farmers to excel.

Amaka Ilobi, the commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Markets, and Wealth Creation recalled that Anambra recorded awards of excellence in three different categories.

These include the most packaged state pavilion on investment opportunities, the most dynamic participating state and the best stand with SME innovative products.

Ilobi said she was delight that the state attracted some private sector investments in agriculture and industries.

– Oct 20, 2017 @ 13:53 GMT |