…discloses government’s plans to make palm oil the new crude oil for the state to grow the economy
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has restated his administration’s committment to leveraging agriculture as vehicle for wealth creation and catalyst to spark economic and industrial activities in our state.
He also disclosed his government’s plans to make palm oil the new crude oil for the state and abundant resource capable of fueling economic growth, create jobs and uplift people of the state from poverty.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim at the Alex Ekwueme square during the lunching of 2023 farming season themed, “Biological Farming: Nature’s Sustainability Solution”, Soludo said the state has commenced annual distribution of 1million palm and coconut seedlings to farmers which he said, would spur economic growth capable of yielding N160 billion for the state.
He said, “Agriculture has the power to influence the economic climate of the state. Because of its critical function, agriculture plays a major role in the economy of all countries around the world.
“By 2023, the population is predicted to reach 8 billion and by 2050, it will reach nine billion. As a result of this, food production needs to raise by 70 percent which might cause food crises especially for developing nations given the rise of climate change.
“We are already witnessing escalating food prices in our markets. Imagine what the situation will be like in the next ten years if we do not invest in agriculture today.
”We are dedicated in leveraging agriculture as a vehicle for wealth creation and a catalyst to spark economic and industrial activities in our state.
“We intend to make palm oil, the new crude for Anambra oil an abaundant resources that will fuel economic growth, create jobs and uplift our people from the shackles of poverty and criminality.”
Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor said his ministry was putting in place measures to support farmers in view of the importance government attached to biological farming.
He urged farmers to embrace biological farming practices which he said involved use of biological inputs such as bio-complete-compost, vermi-compost and microbial inoculants derived from plant and animal sources.
“We’ll continue to partner with agricultural development partners, particularly UNDP and FAO who are now resident in Anambra to provide training and technical support to farmers who want to embrace biological farming.
“Additionally, we’ll ensure that our extension officers have the requisite knowledge to provide guidance to farmers about the benefits and implementation of biological farming practices,” he added.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion included, Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, and other monarchs, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and members, Head of Service Mrs Theodora Igwegbe.
Others were Secretary to the state government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi, Presidents General of Town Unions, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of agriculture, SC Ike, Esq, among others.
