Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has launched an initiative to empower farmers across the state’s three Senatorial districts. The program includes distributing 12,000 bags of fertilizers and improved seedlings to boost production ¹. This effort aims to encourage young people to view farming as a business, leveraging the state’s flourishing agricultural vegetation.
Key Components of the Initiative:
- Fertilizer Distribution: 12,000 bags of fertilizer will be distributed to all local governments.
- Seedlings Provision: 10,000 cassava cuttings, 20,000 improved oil palm seedlings, and 5,000 trays of pepper seedlings will be provided.
- Mechanized Farming: Machines will be made available for farmers.
- Support for Genuine Farmers: The state will continue to support authentic farmers, ensuring resources are not diverted to portfolio farmers.
Governor Eno emphasized the importance of agriculture, stating that everyone should have at least a garden in their house, regardless of their profession ¹. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, commended the governor’s strides in enhancing food sufficiency and assured the ministry’s readiness to drive the vision to success.
This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to promote agriculture, including:
- Project Earn from the Soil: A federal government program empowering 500,000 smallholder farmers in Akwa Ibom ².
- Yam Seedlings Distribution: The federal government supplied over 2,000 Akwa Ibom farmers with yam seedlings for cultivation ¹.
- Training for Semi-Skilled Labor: Governor Udom Emmanuel plans to train 7,000 Akwa Ibom youths in semi-skilled labor for industrial operations ³.
These programs demonstrate the state’s commitment to boosting agricultural production, ensuring food security, and empowering local farmers.
