2022 WET SEASON: IFAD-VCDP DISTRIBUTES AGRO INPUTS TO 1,495 FARMERS IN ENUGU
REPORTER: CHRISTIAN NWANGENE
More than 1000 cassava and rice farmers in Enugu State have benefited from agro inputs distributed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD through its Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP-AF to enhance their productivity.
The inputs, which include fertilisers, faro 44 rice seedling variety, herbicides, insecticides and cassava stems, were funded by IFAD in collaboration with Federal Government and Enugu State Government.
The Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who Commissioned the distribution of the inputs for the 2022 wet season at the headquarters of Enugu East council area, noted that the distribution of the inputs was timely, as it would complement what the state government was already putting in place for this cropping season.
Addressing the beneficiaries during the ceremony at Enugu East Council Area for the five local government intervention areas, the Governor, represented by the Commissioner For Agriculture & Natural Resources, Dr. Mathew Idu, noted that Agriculture remained a place to be.
The Governor commended IFAD-VCDP, and called on the farmers to ensure they applied all the agronomic practices for increased productivity.
In a message, the National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, represented by the Agriculture Production Advisor FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Abuja, Dr. Chyka Victor Unamma, said he was in Enugu to officially declare open cropping season for their farmers, while pointing out that the inputs, especially the cassava stems and rice seedlings were of high quality yields.
The IFAD-VCDP, National Programme Coordinator, commended Governor Ugwuanyi, traditional rulers, Chairmen of the five benefiting LGAs for their support, urging the farmers to make effective use of the inputs.
In a remark, the Enugu State Programme Coordinator, VCDP, Dr. Edward Isiwu, said the programme had developed 30 hecters of farmland in Enugu East for cassava production, and was developing another 30 hecters for farmers in Udenu LGA.
“Our intention is to make Enugu State a place where people will come for cassava stems and cassava roots,” he boosted.
Dr. Isiwu, said that the over 1,495 beneficiaries of the programme cut across rural farmers from five benefiting local government areas of Nkanu East, Aninri, Enugu East, Udenu, and Isiguzo.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, including Mr. Ugwuoso Cyril Ifeanyichukwu, promised to utilize the inputs properly.
There were goodwill messages from traditional rulers, Enugu East LGA Chairman, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Commodity Alliance forum.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
