ABIA STATE LAUNCHES 2024 FARMING SEASON

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Abia State Government has expressed its commitment to move the state into mechanised farming for significant economic development. 

Governor Alex Otti, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, stated this at the inauguration of 2024 Abia Farming Season in Umuahia.

The Governor explained that agriculture was a major sector in the state’s economy and pledged to enhance its development in the state.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Monica Ironkwe, reiterated government’s efforts towards transforming Abia into an agrarian state.

Professor Ironkwe noted that for the state to achieve its objective in agriculture, it would establish a data base for genuine farmers and pledged to provide them with farm inputs.

In his remark, the Executive Director of National Root Crops Research Institute, (NRCRI), Professor Chiedozie Egesi, called on the state government to collaborate with NRCRI in order to take advantage of the institute’s numerous technologies for agricultural development.

For his part, the Chairman of Rice Mill Owners Association of Nigeria in the state, Mr. Jack Okwuonu, said the political farmers were the bane of the agricultural sector.

The event featured lecture presentation, interactive session, distribution of improved rice and maize seedlings, and exhibition of agricultural produce.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU