In line with the Agricultural Revolution component of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has presented twelve thousand (12,000) bags of fertilizer and improved seedlings for distribution to farmers across the State.
Governor Eno made the presentation while flagging off the 2024 second planting season at Uruan Local Government Area, as part of events marking the 37th anniversary of the state creation.
The Governor reiterated the commitment of the State government to take agriculture to another level where young people will see farming as business.
He noted that the state is blessed with nice vegetation coupled with good weather, road network and security, which are enablers for farmers, adding that it is inexcusable for anyone not to plant at least, what the individual consumes.
The Governor who himself is a farmer, maintained that the free food initiative was just an intervention and not sustainable, adding that the lasting solution to the hunger menace in the land was returning to the farm.
He commended the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor and the entire ministry for the passion they have exhibited in carrying out the Agricultural Revolution vision of government through the provision of farm input, seedlings, fertilizer, and other tools that will ensure bountiful harvest in the next season.
The Governor also applauded the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for partnering the State in the fight to ensure that fertilizer, seedlings and other farm inputs are available, while urging everyone to take advantage of the second planting season to return to the farm and collectively bring down the cost of food by producing foods consumed in the State.
He noted that soonest, the machines for mechanize farming will be available for farmers, adding, that the State will continue to support genuine farmers, and never again will resources be diverted or given to portfolio farmers.
Recounting some steps already taken towards achieving Agricultural Revolution, the Governor mentioned the ongoing Ibom Integrated Farm, sponsorship of some Akwa Ibomites to Cotonou to train on rudiments of modern farming techniques, sponsorship of some to Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, and many others.
According to him, “Today, we have for distribution, twelve thousand (12,000) bags of fertilizer that will go to all the local Governments, we have ten thousand (10,000) cassava cuttings, 20,000 improved oil palm seedlings that we got from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), five thousand (5,000) trays of pepper seedlings, and others.
“I love the fact that we have brought in our students into Agriculture. When we were in school, we used to have school farms that we harvested most of what we cook to eat.
“We believe it is time to go back to such practices, and also begin to let our children fall in love with Agriculture from an early age.
“It doesn’t matter what status you are, whether you are an engineer, doctor or entrepreneur so long as you can eat, there is a need to have at least garden in your house. Above all, we have declared the first and third Fridays of every month as farm days; so as to free the civil servants to go to the farm. We can make this a hobby. We can all own farms,” he added.
The Governor who appreciated different stakeholders in the Agricultural sector especially, the Paramount Ruler of Onna, His Royal Highness, Edidem Raymond Inyang for defying all challenges to be part of the flag-off, directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offor, to ensure that necessary support is given to his farm to boost harvest.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor commended the Governor for his strides in enhancing food sufficiency for the teeming population of Akwa Ibom State, and assured everyone of the ministry’s readiness to drive the vision to success.
On her part, the Transition Committee Chairman of Uruan LGA, Evang. Uduak Daniel Udoenang said the area is blessed with both land and water which have high agricultural value, and assured that they were willing and ready to give land to the State government for agriculture.
Other stakeholders in the sector including Chairman Rice Farmers Association, Prof. Etim Ituen, Managing Director, Vika Farms, Dr. Asikpo Essien-Ibok represented by Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk, also applauded the Governor for this wonderful initiative, noted that it was an unprecedented gesture that will help reduce the food crisis in the state, especially those in the rural areas.
