Okro farmers’ appeals to the Anambra State government to make farm inputs available to them to enable them grow the crop all year round

AN okro farmer in Umuezeagu, Anaku, Ayamelum local government area, LGA, says with the right inputs, okro can be grown all year round in Anambra.

In response to growing demands some of the farmers have since launched appeal to Anambra State government for provision of fertilizer and agro-chemicals to facilitate the growing of the commodity.

“With provision of fertiliser and the right pesticides, okro can grow round the year.’’

Gloria Nwanegbo, an okro farmer, said that the farmers had been unable to meet the increasing demands from their customers.

“It is sad that we can no longer meet up with demands; our seedlings are either not mature and in some cases are eaten up by pests.

“If some of the essential inputs are provided, we can plant more this year.’’

Nwanegbo said okro farmers contribute to the drive for food sufficiency in the state, stressing, “it is unfortunate that we are unable to meet the growing demands for okro’’.

She expressed regrets over bags of fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide distributed by government that never reached the farmers, especially the women.

Nwanegbo, then, requested that the next batch of fertiliser, agro–chemicals be sent to women okro farmers.

Meanwhile, Justina Udokwache, also an okro farmer said that preparation for the next planting season would commence by August.

She re-assured that there would be bumper harvest supply of okro soon.

Okro is a vegetable eaten widely in Nigeria.

According to an online dictionary, Okro has long been favoured as a food for the health-conscious. It contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It’s low in calories and has high dietary fibre content.

Recently, a new benefit of including okro in your diet is being considered.

– Feb.  15, 2018 @ 18:13 GMT |