Enugu State embarked on a significant agricultural initiative with the launch of a free fertilizer and agro-input distribution program targeting over 60,000 farmers. Governor Peter Mbah, presiding over the launch event at Okpara Square, emphasized the program’s crucial role in bolstering food security, alleviating poverty, and stimulating rural economic growth by transforming farming into a profitable enterprise. This initiative builds upon a previous distribution in 2024, where 12,000 bags of fertilizer, power tillers, seedlings, cassava stems, and herbicides were provided free of charge, resulting in increased yields and lower food prices across the state.
The current distribution significantly expands the previous effort, encompassing over 40,000 bags of fertilizer along with other vital agricultural inputs. Governor Mbah underscored the critical role farmers play in the state’s economy and well-being, recognizing them as the foundation of sustenance, prosperity, and overall growth. Beyond the immediate provision of inputs, he outlined a comprehensive agricultural development strategy that includes the establishment of 200-hectare farm estates in each of the state’s 260 political wards. These estates will be equipped with essential infrastructure such as irrigation systems, warehouses, tractor sheds, and power supply to facilitate modern and efficient farming practices.
A key component of this agricultural transformation is the investment in mechanization. The governor announced the arrival of 102 tractors, with another 98 en route and an additional 800 to be assembled at a newly established tractor plant in the state capital. This significant investment in agricultural machinery signals a move towards modernizing farming practices and increasing productivity. Further strengthening the agricultural sector, Governor Mbah revealed plans to elevate the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, to a University of Agriculture. This institution will be instrumental in training future generations of agricultural scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, providing the expertise needed to drive the agricultural revolution.
The administration’s commitment to agricultural development extends beyond infrastructural development and mechanization. The establishment of Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and Agricultural Transformation Centers across the state’s three senatorial zones is a crucial step in adding value to agricultural produce and promoting agro-industrial development. These initiatives will create new opportunities for farmers, boost employment, and contribute to overall economic growth. Furthermore, the distribution of free inputs is designed to reach farmers directly, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients. The state maintains a database of registered farmers exceeding 60,000, ensuring a transparent and efficient distribution process.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Uburu, commended Governor Mbah’s vision and leadership in spearheading this agricultural transformation. Uburu highlighted the revitalization of previously abandoned agricultural assets, including Enugu United Palm Products, Adarice Irrigation Scheme, Ojor and Mgbagbu Owa irrigation projects, and Sunrise Flour Mill. These revitalized assets represent a significant boost to the state’s agricultural capacity and potential. New initiatives, such as the Enugu State Livestock Productivity Centre, a Cocoa Development Initiative targeting 3,000 hectares by 2027, greenhouse farming with 2,000 greenhouses planned by 2026, and the establishment of export warehouses for cashew processing, further showcase the administration’s comprehensive approach to agricultural development.
The governor’s approval of crop insurance premiums to mitigate the impact of climate change and pest infestations demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production. This initiative provides a safety net for farmers, protecting them against unforeseen challenges and encouraging continued investment in the agricultural sector. The various stakeholders present at the event echoed the commissioner’s sentiments, praising Governor Mbah’s commitment and the transformative potential of the agricultural initiatives. Representatives from the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, local government, and farming communities expressed their appreciation for the investment in mechanization, the establishment of farm estates, and the overall support provided to the agricultural sector. The symbolic distribution of fertilizers to farmer cooperatives from the 17 local government areas marked a significant step towards achieving food security and sustainable rural development in Enugu State.
