As part of renewed efforts to combat food insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture, the Ebonyi State Government on Thursday commenced the distribution of wet season farm inputs to farmers in Abakaliki and Ikwo local government areas.
The initiative, which is integral to the state's broader agricultural strategy, aims to boost food production and identify potential food crisis zones across Ebonyi State.
The official flag-off ceremony took place at Nkaliki, headquarters of Abakaliki LGA, where the Executive Chairman, Chief Stephen Ebere Nwogba, commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for initiating the intervention. He described the move as timely and impactful.
"I thank God and His Excellency for this intervention. Abakaliki is home to real, hardworking farmers. This distribution is meant to support genuine farmers, not political ones," Nwogba stated.
He warned beneficiaries against selling or diverting the inputs, stressing, “Any act of diversion will not only attract the wrath of the law but also provoke divine judgment.”
In Ikwo LGA, the flag-off ceremony was held at Onuebonyi Echera. Council Chairman, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, expressed optimism that the distributed inputs would enhance food security across the local government.
He revealed that the council had already established a farm and plans to expand into various development centres to ensure a productive harvest.
"This wet season input distribution which includes improved seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials reflects Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to practical agriculture and long-term food stability. We in Ikwo are ready to take full advantage of it," Nwankwo assured.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, who performed the flag off, emphasized that each local government and development centre is expected to operate functional farms.
She noted that areas that perform well in crop and livestock production during the harvest season will receive additional government support.
"We are identifying areas prone to food crisis and targeting them with appropriate interventions. This distribution is one of many steps to ensure food sufficiency," she stated.
She issued a stern warning against mismanagement or resale of the inputs, reinforcing the seriousness of the governor's directive.
While flagging off the exercise in Ikwo, she extolled the local government for its prominence in rice production and urged expansion to all development centres.
“Ikwo must expand its existing farms. I will personally supervise the farms to ensure productivity. Together, we must support our farmers to avert hunger and position Ebonyi as Nigeria’s food basket,” she declared.
Princess Iyioku also announced plans by the state government to organize an agricultural exhibition at the end of the farming season.
The exhibition, according to her, will recognize outstanding farmers, LGAs, and agricultural projects, with prizes to encourage excellence.
During the event, agricultural experts including Patrick Ogbinya and Ukamaka Onele, among others trained farmers on modern techniques in rice, cassava cultivation and even sack bag farming methods. They stressed the need for sustainable practices to secure long-term food availability in the state and beyond.
