FARMING SEASON: EBONYI PROCURES 15 TRACTORS; TO DEPLOY AGRIC STAFF TO GOVT FARM

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Ebonyi State Government has taken the first step towards embarking on full Agricultural mechanization by procuring 15 brand new tractors, which will be distributed to farmers.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the state, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, announced this while briefing journalists on government’s wet season agricultural programmes in Abakaliki.

She pointed out that about 13,000 bags of fertilizer and other farm inputs were also procured and would be distributed to farmers for increased yield and food sufficiency in the state.

Princess Iyioku pointed out that 98% of people in the state were farmers, emphasising that the government would ensure that the state competed favourably with its counterparts in food production.

“Fertilizer this time around is very expensive but I have to thank His Excellency the Governor.

“The Governor doesn’t joke with anything about Agriculture. He still approved the same 13,000 bags we distributed to farmers last year.

“Most of the farmers are complaining about land preparation, that preparing land is mainly the major problem they are having.

“I said okay, before the wet season which is the season we are now, we will be able to buy the equipment that they will be using to prepare most of their lands.

“To the glory of God, we will be flagging of our 15 tractors that the Governor procured for the farmers.

“After the flag off (sic), we will give it to them so that it will help them to prepare their lands,” she stated.

The Commissioner expressed government’s readiness to takeover Ezilo farm for effective cultivation this farming season, noting that all state Extension workers and other staff in the Ministry would be redeployed to the farm when cultivated.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU