Farmers Seek Agriculture Commissioner Support to Boost Food productions in Imo State.
Anselem Anokwute
The Farmers Helping Hand initiative has officially launched in Isu Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, with the goal of empowering farmers and boosting agricultural productivity in the region.
The launch ceremony, which took place on January 3, 2025, at St. Teresa Catholic Parish Mbato, was attended by dignitaries, including Comrade Alex Onyekachi Duru, Orlu Zonal Coordinator of Farmers Helping Hand Initiative .
Comrade Alex Duru, emphasized the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth and reducing poverty, commending the Farmers Helping Hand initiative for its commitment to supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
However, the Coordinator of the Isu chapter, Mrs. Rosita Amaechi Chukwuemeka, noted that the initiative requires the support of the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture, under their Big brother, Chief Cosmos Nwabueze Maduba (Ode Ebube Isu) to achieve its objectives.
The initiative is calling on the Ministry to provide assistance to farmers in the zonal level for the 2025 farming season, including seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, to enable farmers to produce optimally. This support is crucial in making Orlu more food sufficient and agriculture production based on its arable land and good environmental values.
Some of the government agricultural programs that could support the Farmers Helping Hand initiative include,
Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) aims to achieve food security, job creations, and economic diversification
Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) provides subsidized inputs like fertilizers and seeds to Nigerian farmers.
Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) offers financial support to small holder farmers, helping them access credit for inputs and equipment.
Youth Empowerment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) targets the younger generation, providing training, funding, and mentorship to encourage their involvement in agriculture and so many others.
They are calling on their brother Commissioner for Agriculture Chief Cosmos Nwabueze Maduba Ode Ebube Isu, to use his good office to attract the necessary government dividends to boost Agriculture in the Council for the 2025 farming season is already on ground as the above mentioned programs and others are for the farmers alone.
These programs according to them demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development.
The Farmers Helping Hand initiative can leverage these programs to achieve its objectives and make a meaningful impact in the lives of farmers in Isu LGA.