Akwa Ibom State Government Distributes Farm Inputs to Cooperative Societies

Akwa Ibom Government has commenced distribution of farm inputs to farmers group and cooperative societies in the state, as part of measures to boost food production.

In furtherance of her avowed commitment to boost food production, the Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, has continued the distribution of farm inputs to farming groups and cooperative societies in Uyo Senatorial District.

Addressing the farmers and other agricultural stakeholders at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) grounds, Uyo, on Tuesday, 18th June, 2024, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, reiterated the administration’s resolve to support different categories of farmers in the State.

“We have already distributed inputs to some groups during the official flag-off of the first planting season. Government will reach out to more groups, in order to boost food production,” Dr. Offor stated.

She said, farmers will be supported with agricultural machinery to aid land preparation for farming, farm inputs, agro-chemicals and access to finance, for the overall aim of expanding farming activities.

The Don stated that, the Ministry has deployed extension agents to each of the benefiting cooperative societies, Schools and farming groups to offer technical support, monitor and evaluate progress.

While lauding Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing agriculture through his various intervention programmes, she advised beneficiaries to make the most of the items received and preserve the inputs for cultivation in the next planting season.

Offor, appreciated members of Women Agro-Link International Foundation, (WALIF) for being passionate about agriculture, saying her visit to the farm owned by the group and other groups indicates they are taking agriculture seriously.

Setting the tone for the event, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mary Bassey, intimated that the exercise is a fulfilment of government’s determination to equip farmers with improved farm inputs.

Bassey hinted that Akwa Ibom is one of the top ranked States in agriculture and applauded the governor for the conscious steps taken to achieve the feat.

She cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the inputs and urged them to be focused on proper cultivation of the inputs for the reduction of the current high cost of food in the nation.

In his goodwill messages, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Prince Bassey Enwang, commended government for supporting farmers from time to time and pledged to rally around farmers to maximize the inputs provided.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizen’s Farmer Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Amb Joseph Akpan (Rtd), commended the governor for his continued support but however solicited for continuous input support to farmers.

Also speaking, the Leader of WALIF, Mrs. Theresa Akpan revealed that, the group is massively cultivating her 60 hectares of farmland at Oruk Anam LGA, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development.

She commended the Commissioner for supporting genuine farmers and requested for agro chemicals to increase yield of the produce.

A training session to equip the groups on methods of cultivation, nurturing, preventing diseases, among others for maximum yield was handled by Mr. Emmanuel Akpan and the Zonal Director of Uyo Senatorial District, Mr. Emmanuel Asuquo.

The event featured a symbolic presentation of improved cassava cuttings, coconut seedlings, raised pepper seedlings and agro-chemical to the cooperative groups by the Honourable Commissioner.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment include; All Farmers Association, Akwa Ibom State Youth for Agriculture, Greenhouse Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative Society, Eti Ifiok Cooperative Society, Ikono Minya Cooperative Society, Believers Cooperative Society, Uyo Agro Cooperative Society, Destiny Women Farmers Cooperative Society, Noble Link Cooperative Society, Agro Minds Cooperative Society, Gifted Ladies Cooperative Society, Perfect Love Cooperative Society, Favour Cooperative Society, among others.