By Jennifer John
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has eulogized the Federal Government for its giant strides in the agricultural sector.
Uzodimma gave the commendation during the flag-off of the distribution of agricultural seedlings to farmers in Imo State by the Minister of Agriculture.
He particularly mentioned the near self-sufficiency in rice production.
The governor said the distribution if the seedlings to smallholders and see companies, farmers, across the country is a clear testimony of the Federal Government’s efforts to guarantee food security in the country.
He boasted that Imo citizens are hardworking, industrious, and will make maximum use of the agricultural palliatives.
He enumerated the giant strides of the state government in the sector which included the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, unfolding policies to attract investors to agriculture and livestock development, and adopting strategies to support farmers to improve their crops cultivation and enhance livestock farming.
Others, he said are empowering the ministry of Livestock Development to pursue the development of livestock farming more vigorously, putting in place of ANCOPS scheme, revitalization of Adapalm, planting over 400,000 oil palm seedlings at the nursery and pre-nursery farms, as well as the revival and expansion of the Imo rubber estate.
In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Sabo Nanono said the ministry was distributing; 15,000 cocoa seedlings, 300 cartons of Ultimax plus, over 5000 oil palm sprouted nuts, 1,500 kg of Cashew seeds to Imo farmers.
He said in addition, yam farmers, through their national association and other cooperative groups will be supported with 20,000 node vine cuttings and 10,000 foundations while potatoes farmers will benefit from 1,500 bundles of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and 200 liters of pathway organic enhancer.
The Minister added that the ministry was also supporting groundnut farmers through the Groundnut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association (NGROPPMAN), with 5,000kg groundnut seeds.
He emphasized that the seeds, nuts, vines, and other inputs are being given to farmers free.
