By Abdullahi Lukman
The Enugu State government is to establish 340 Greenhouse Technology farms across all 17 local government areas in the state to modernize agriculture, create new economic opportunities and increase agricultural exports.
The figure shows that each of the 17 LGAs is to have 20 of the farms.
The initiative is to capitalize on modern farming technology to improve productivity, cultivate high-value crops, and access international markets.
Dr. Patrick Ubru, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialization, who announced the initiative on Thursday, January 23 in Enugu, emphasized its potential to transform the agricultural landscape of the region.
According to Ubru, the Greenhouse Technology farms will focus on the cultivation of exotic vegetables and spices, crops that are in high demand globally.
The technology will enable farmers to grow these crops year-round, regardless of seasonal challenges, ensuring a steady supply for both local consumption and export.
The Greenhouse Technology initiative was first piloted over the last nine months, with promising results that have now led to its planned expansion.
Ubru revealed that the pilot stage had proven highly successful, demonstrating the viability of the technology in Enugu’s climate and its potential to increase yields and reduce the risks associated with traditional farming.
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“We want to empower our people to participate in this lucrative and sustainable business of modern farming,” Dr. Ubru said.
“This is not just about producing food for the local market, but about creating an export driven agricultural economy that benefits everyone, from farmers to consumers,” he said.
The focus on exporting exotic vegetables and spices aligns with global trends in food consumption, as there is growing demand for premium, organically grown produce.
Enugu’s location and access to the upgraded airport infrastructure position the state to capitalize on this demand, sending locally grown products to global markets, especially in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
In addition to enhancing exports, the Greenhouse Technology farms are to help diversify Enugu’s agricultural output, which has traditionally focused on crops such as yam, cassava, and maize.
Ubru said he establishment of the 340 Greenhouse Technology farms is a expected to generate employment opportunities for local farmers, laborers, technicians, and entrepreneurs involved in the agricultural value chain.
He emphasized that the initiative would help uplift communities by introducing them to a modern, efficient, and profitable form of farming.
“Through the Greenhouse Technology initiative, we are not just boosting agricultural production, we are creating a value chain that will generate employment, raise household incomes, and improve the standard of living for many families,” Ubru added.
In addition to creating jobs directly within the agricultural sector, the project is also to stimulate the local economy by supporting industries related to farm inputs, such as seed suppliers, irrigation equipment manufacturers, and packaging companies.
The Greenhouse Technology initiative represents a move towards sustainable farming practices in Enugu State, the commissioner said.
