The Chairman of Anambra West Local Government Area, Mrs Edith Ndive, has empowered no fewer than 150 farmers with farming equipment and agro-chemicals to boost food production and strengthen food security in the area.
The empowerment programme which took place at the LG Secretariat in Nzam, attracted farmers, community leaders, youth groups and agricultural cooperatives from various communities in the council area.
Ndive said the initiative was aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the economic wellbeing of rural farmers.
She described agriculture as the foundation of the local economy and stressed the need for continuous support for farmers through the provision of modern tools and essential farm inputs.
According to her, the programme aligns with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration’s agenda of promoting rural development, encouraging youth participation in agriculture and ensuring food sufficiency.
Ndive commended the governor for his continued support for farmers and investment in policies and programmes aimed at transforming agriculture in the state.
She urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed to improve food supply and strengthen the local economy.
In his remarks, the Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture in the council, Mr Peter Okonkwo, commended the chairman for prioritizing farmers’ welfare and investing in agricultural empowerment programmes.
The beneficiaries received farming implements, spraying equipment and agro-chemicals to support farming activities during the current planting season.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Nnamdi Okoye, appreciated the council leadership for the intervention.
He said the support would reduce the burden of acquiring farm inputs and improve their productivity during the farming season.
Meanwhile, agricultural experts and farmers in Anambra have stressed the importance of effective utilization of farm inputs during the rainy season to enhance food production.
An agricultural expert, Mrs Ifeoma Onyema, said improved seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and farming tools were critical to healthy crop growth during the rainy season.
Speaking during an engagement with farmers, Onyema described farm inputs as essential resources for reducing losses and improving agricultural productivity.
A cassava farmer, Mrs Helen Nwoye, said improved seedlings and fertilizers had significantly increased yields and income on her farm.
Similarly, Mr Chukwudi Ezeani said herbicides were important for controlling weeds, which grow rapidly during the rainy season.
An agricultural extension worker, Mr Emmanuel Obi, said proper application of pesticides protected crops from pests and diseases associated with the wet season.
He listed the benefits of farm inputs to include increased crop yield, healthy plant growth, effective weed and pest control, improved produce quality, reduced crop losses and enhanced food supply.
The farmers appealed to government and agricultural agencies to make farm inputs more affordable and accessible, especially to rural farmers.
They expressed optimism that with adequate support and favourable weather conditions, the current farming season would improve food production and reduce hardship in the country. (NAN)
