The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP) have distributed farm Agro inputs to rice farmers in Enugu.
The flag-off of the distribution took place at the Oduma Community, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu state on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bags of Fertilizers, Rice and Herbicides were distributed to the identified and profiled farmers who are mostly women.
Dr Fatima Aliyu, the National Programme Coordinator, IFAD/VCDP, Nigeria, urged the farmers to put the inputs to good use.
Aliyu, represented by the IFAD/VCDP Adviser, Human Resources, Mr Gidado Bello, said that the project was jointly funded by the Federal Government and IFAD.
“This Agro input distribution was made possible through the International Fund for Agricultural Development, COVID-19 Rural Wards Stimulus Facility and the Value Chain Development Programme.
“It is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the project aids to improve income and food security of all the rural households.
“The aim of the project is for production, to enhance food security and accelerate recovery from the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Also, Mr Mathew Idu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development said he felt happy, just like Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, that farmers in the state benefited from the Federal Government project.
“I wish to tell you that, more are still coming with the proper management of the Agro Inputs and bumper harvest from these ones,”Idu said.
He urged the famers not to sell the inputs for money as they would gain much from farming than selling it out.
The Chairman, Traditional Ruler Aninri Local Government and Oduma Community, Igwe Daniel Njoku, gave IFAD assurance that the Agro inputs would be judiciously used.
Njoku thanked the Federal and State Government and also promised that the Agro Inputs would be shared among the profiled and beneficial farmers to ensure food security in the state.
The representative, International Fertilizers Centre, Mrs Ifeoma Ugwu, said that they were in the state to ensure proper distribution of the Agro inputs.
She advised the farmers to come with their identity card or profile number sent to them for authentication and collection.
However, a benefactor, Mrs Evelyn Nwaru, advised the government and IFAD to carry out a routine check on the farmers to ensure success of the project.
Quality journalism costs money. Today, we’re asking that you support us to do more. Support our work by sending in your donations.
The donation can be made directly into NatureNews Account below
