………………..To Build A Credible Data Base On Agriculture And Boost Food Production In The State.
FIC report (Abia State) – In a bid to revitalize the Agricultural sector and improve food production, the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with Kitovu Technology Company to introduce a ground breaking initiative aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing Agricultural productivity in the State.
The partnership was announced during a meeting which held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Umuahia between farmers in the state, farmers’ associations, critical agriculture stakeholders and the management team of the ministry ably led by the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative seeks to, among many benefits, identify genuine farmers, link communities to commodities, build a credible Agricultural database and develop an Agric map for Abia State.
He explained that the initiative will enable the government and other agricultural development agencies to provide targeted interventions and support to farmers towards improving Agricultural productivity and food sufficiency.
He stated that the ministry will be visiting farmers in their various Local Government Areas in the coming days to carry out proper agricultural needs assessment in the communities. Dr Agbaeze used the forum to appreciate the Visionary Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti OFR for finding him worthy to serve as commissioner for agriculture in the state at such a time as this when feeding has become a major challenge for most homes.
He vowed that the onerous task of ravamping the Agricultural sector in the state will not be taken lightly.
Contributing, The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, Ph.D, emphasized the ministry’s intention to assess farmers’ needs, enumerate them and collaborate with them to improve the sector.
Earlier In his remarks, the CEO of Kitovu Technology Company, Mr. Nwachinemere Emeka, explained that their technology will help gather accurate data, process it, and store it in the “cloud” for future use. He urged farmers to cooperate with the exercise and inform others about the proposed farmers’ enumeration in the state.
He explained that the initiative is expected to address concerns about soil productivity, climate change, and incorrect pesticide use, which have been among the major challenges facing farmers in the state adding that, with this partnership, Abia State is poised to become a leading Agricultural hub in Nigeria by providing opportunities for farmers, investors, and other stakeholders in the sector.
The event featured a questions and answers session.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia state.
