FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has commended the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, NSPRI for their collaborative effort with the State Government in enhancing the preservation of produce and increase in Farmers income.
Dr. lkpeazu who made the commendation while flagging off the Automated Solar Dryer And Distribution Of Agricultural Products, Processing And Storage Kits at the Abia ADP headquarters, Umuahia expressed delight that they now have facilities that can help store, process and add value to products which will ensure more empowerment for farmers who will continue to have markets for their products even after peak periods.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu recalled that having made agriculture one of its main cardinal pillars at inception, Govt will continue to do all it can to ensure food security and create wealth and appreciated the Programme Manager and management of ADP for living up to their mandate, promising not to relent in rendering assistance to the ADP till they achieve food sufficiency in the State.
He further lauded Abia Farmers for their active participation and dedication that have enabled Govt achieve the desired results in Agric revolution and reassured of Govt’s preparedness to encourage them in terms of provision of more inputs, fertilizers and pesticides to ensure a bumper harvest of produce.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Ikechi Mgbeoji represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sir Okey Ihedioha said for the NSPRI to have done this much in presenting the equipment indicates that they are ready to work with the State Govt which is very encouraging and expressed their willingness to support them in every possible way.
Presenting a goodwill message, the Director, NSPRI, Dr. Patricia Pessu represented by the Zonal Coordinator, South South, South East Zones, Dr. Idereyim Iwehujor who appreciated the State Governor for allowing them collaborate with Govt assured that Storage Kits will improve storage which is the major problem farmers face in addition to reducing the use of chemical application on farm products.
Earlier in his address, the Programme Manager of ADP, Dr. Israel Amanze said they collaborated with the NSPRI to establish the automated Solar Dryer in the State in their efforts to bridge the technical gap to farmers on agricultural commodities and encouraged beneficiaries of the Storage Kits and Facilities to use them judiciously to boost food sufficiency in the State.
The ceremony which featured inspection of the Solar Dryer equipment and other facilities by the Governor’s representative attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Comrade Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu, his Boundary Matters and Conflict Resolutions Counterpart, Chief Ndom, Top Govt Officials and Stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector.
