4,000 Anambra farmers to get free agro inputs
From Emma Elekwa, Awka
No fewer than 4,000 farmers are to benefit from free and subsidized agricultural inputs in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The agricultural input to be distributed to farmers free is pro-vitamin cassava stem, while herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers would be accessed at a subsidized rate.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Afam Mbanefo, disclosed this when he delivered trucks load of the inputs to farmers at Ajali, the Orumba North Local Government Area Headquarters.
Mbanefo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Leo Imoka, said the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano made to farmers during the recent launch of 2017 farming season in Awka.
The commissioner said the inputs would be extended to farmers across the 21 Local Areas of the state irrespective of their party lines.
The Programme Manager of Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme, Mr Jude Nwankwo, said the inputs had already been extended to farmers in Anaocha and Awka North Local Government Areas.
The ADP boss said wrong planting and adherence to technical instruction by farmers often result to low yield, adding ``the state has more extension officials to assist farmers.’’
Also speaking, the transition committee chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area, Mr Aforka Emeka, said 16 communities in the area had already accessed N20 million each under the `Choose Your Community Project Initiative’ of the Obiano administration.