We are committed to making Enugu State agricultural hub for investors – Gov. Mbah

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the state an agricultural hub for investors to thrive.

Mbah made this known while unveiling the Enugu Rice at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agroindustrialization complex in Enugu.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Ubru, for his efforts in making the event a reality.

“I am impressed by what I see today; it is very encouraging. I commend the farmers of Enugu State, and with your synergy, support, and cooperation with the Enugu State Government, production of rice will continue to increase for the benefit of all.

“This is the development we have been craving as well as the growth we are praying for. Indeed, our tomorrow is here.”

He enjoined the staff of the ministry to be dedicated to their duties and give maximum support to the commissioner so that the ministry could achieve the mandate and vision of the state for agriculture.

Mbah noted that the Enugu rice brand would grow bigger than what it was known for, stressing that the state would soon be known as a rice-producing state.

He explained that Enugu is now an oil-producing state and also doing well in the agricultural sector, saying, “This will help reduce hunger to zero by 2031.

Earlier, Ubru commended the governor for his commitment to the rebirth and development of the sector.

He stated that the occasion was a testament to their collective efforts in promoting and emphasising the authenticity and originality of the Enugu rice brand.

The commissioner stressed that it offered the state an opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality of its locally produced rice and to celebrate the hard work of the farmers.

He maintained that the launch was about promoting the brand, its originality, and also ensuring that farmers had the opportunity to make substantial sales to increase their income.

He said that the rice would be sold at the most affordable prices to make it accessible to all, improve their livelihoods, and boost their local economy.

Ubru noted that the state government had directed his ministry to ensure the establishment of more rice mills across the LGAs with a comparative advantage in rice production.

“These mills will revolutionise rice processing in our state and also enhance our self-sufficiency and economic growth

He said this will be achieved through the land space of over 50,000 hectares of rice fields in different locations at Idodo-Owo-Ubagu-Amankanu-Nkerefi-Nara-Ugboka rice fields in Nkanu East LGA.

“Others are Ibiteolo-Mgbagbu Owa rice fields in Ezeagu LGA, Oduma-Nenwe-Okpanku rice fields in Aninri LGA, Adani-Okoro-Ogurugu-Asaba rice fields in Uzo-Uwani LGA, and rice fields in Isi-Uzo LGA.

He added that Mba’s vision was to feed Enugu people and make the state the food basket of the nation, as demonstrated by the payment of counterpart funds for the donor's agricultural-assisted projects.

These include the payment of seven-year arrears for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase 1 (ATASP-1) and the initial payment for the new Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS).

The three-year payment for the IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme is also part of the payments.

The State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCOP, Mr. Edward Isiwu, stated that some farmers in Abakiliki now came down to Nara, Nkerefi, Nomeh, and Ubahu to cultivate rice on leased land, which they sold as Abakiliki rice.

He appealed to the state government to provide them with some land to cultivate rice to help increase the production of the grain in the state.

The Project Coordinator of World Bank assisted Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS), Mrs Ihuoma, said more attention should be paid to cultivation and standardisation of rice in Enugu

The Programme Coordinator of ATASP-1, Mr Romanus Egba, added that the primary objective of the programmes was to support farmers with the necessary inputs which included weighing scale, fertilisers, improved seedlings and climate smart materials.