JUBILATION AS IFAD-VCDP DISTRIBUTE INPUTS TO OVER 800 EBONYI FARMERS

REPORTER: SUNDAY NWAMBAM

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved the release of one hundred million naira counterpart fund contribution for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on rice and cassava production in the area.

Governor Nwifuru announced this in Abakaliki in a message to the launch of the “2023 Wet Season Inputs Distribution to Farmers” in eight local government area.

The Value Chain Development Programme is a project of the Federal Government sponsored by IFAD to enhance rice and cassava production for sustainable economy and food security.

The participating local government areas are Ikwo, Izzi, Ohaukwu, Ezza North, lshielu, Ohaozara, lvo and Afikpo South (otherwise known as Edda local government area).

Some of the farm inputs distributed to farmers were certified rice seeds, NPK fertilizer, Urea fertilizer, improved cassava stems and agro- chemicals.

Governor Francis Nwifuru represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, expressed the readiness of the government to invest more on agriculture for sustainable income and food security in the state.

She advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farm inputs to boost food sufficiency in the state.

The National Programme Coordinator, IFAD, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, represented by Mrs. Vera Onyilo, explained that the distribution of the farm inputs was based on the 50-50 Marching Grant to improve the livelihood of Nigerian farmers.

“In Ebonyi State, a total of 132 farmers organizations comprising 806 farmers, will benefit from inputs, which cost #173,833,400.

“Inputs support for farmers is based on 50:50 matching grants. The farmers contribution is #86, 916, 700 and IFAD #86,916,700,” she said.

Earlier, Ebonyi State Programme Coordinator IFAD, Mr. Sunday Ituma, noted that apart from input distribution to farmers, the programme had made a remarkable progress in non- agricultural sector.

Mr. ltuma commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for urgently approving the release of the counterpart fund contribution of the state.

A farmer, Mr. Augustine Njoku, and an agro dealer, Chief Itapa Azobo, called on government to provide modern agricultural equipment to reduce difficulties in farming.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU