Food Sufficiency: Akwa Ibom State Govt empowers rice farmers with inputs
As the first planting season progresses, the Ministry of Agriculture has empowered rice farmers across the state with rice seeds, to boost food production in Akwa Ibom.
Distributing the items, at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Grounds on Monday, 31st May, 2021, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet stated that Agricultural practice touches the life of the entire citizenry, hence Governor Udom Emmanuel’s consistent distribution of farm inputs, loans and other support to different category of farmers.Dr. Edet averred that the Governor,since he came into office in 2015, has done creditably well in Agriculture and other sub-sectors of the State’s economy!as reflected on the feasible achievements recorded so far.
“One of the things the Governor is doing to ensure we have enough food is to assist farmers with quality inputs. In Agriculture, input is important, since it determines the yield,” She stated.
The Commissioner, encouraged youths to get actively involved in Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture is also leading by examples, with demonstration farms where yams, cassava, tomatoes, pepper and so on are being cultivated.
The Dean of Commissioner/Special Advisers, who intimated the farmers that a team of inspectors will visit their farms to monitor the production progress advised them not to sale the inputs offered free of charge but to plant so as to achieve the desired goal.
According to her, farmers in the State are at liberty to contact the Ministry’s Headquarters or the Local Government Extension agents for technical know-how in event of any challenge.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mary Ukoette, said Governor Udom has made the State proud by grooming great farmers in Akwa Ibom.
Mrs. Ukoette, appreciated the Commissioner for Agriculture for properly translating the vision of the Governor in Agriculture into reality.
In their separate goodwill messages, the State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Prince Bassey Inwang, Village Head, Ikpe Ikot Nkon, Chief Ndueso Bassey Udowo, Mr. Emmanuel Usua and Mr. Effiong Ubaha lauded the State Government, Ministry of Agriculture for the farm inputs distributed to various farmers since the commencement of the first planting season of the year and as well promised that farmers will put the inputs to good use for bountiful yield.
The event featured distribution of bags of rice seeds to farmers in the rice cultivation areas; Ini, Nsit Ubium, Ibiono Ibom and Uruan Local Government Areas by the Honourable Commissioner. Dr. Edet Edet.
The occasion was graced by Directors in the Ministry of Agriculture, Royal Fathers, Agriculture Stakeholders among others.
