Beneficiaries of Anambra state government’s distribution of oil palm and coconut seedlings have pledged to support the initiative to facilitate optimal productivity across the state.
The beneficiaries, including Principals of Secondary Schools and Heads of Institutions, made the pledge during inspection visits by Ministry of Agriculture Team to monitor performance of distributed seedlings.
They lauded government for giving them opportunity to create consistent income through the programme, arguing that despite late arrival of seedlings last year, they were able to plant them according to specified techniques to ensure their survival.
In their separate comments, Principal of Community Secondary School, Isuaniocha and Vice Principal of Community Secondary School, Ajalli, Mr Ben Madu noted that they recorded success stories in their schools by using correct planting techniques, applying organic manure and constant watering.
“We have to continue by applying organic manure and water them on daily basis to ensure that they survive, because we hoped that if they survive now,we will be given more seedlings.
“We thank God for the state government for having the vision to introduce this project.We are hopeful that this year more seedlings will be distributed and on time”
On their part, Principals of Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu, Mbaukwu, Mrs Amaka Anekwe and her Community Secondary School, Awgbu, counterpart, Sister Stella Mary Nwafor, pledged to sustain strategies to guarantee the survival of the seedlings.
They lauded government for supplying them with the seedlings in its bid to move the people from oil to agriculture in revenue generation, expressing optimism of mass coconut production in the state in less than four years.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Foster Ihejiofor reiterated government’s commitment to continue to strengthen measures aimed at boosting the productivity of the produce.
Ihejiofor, who spoke through his Technical Assistant and Leader of the Inspection Team, Ifeanyi Nwaegbo lauded schools, institutions and communities that have recorded success stories so far.
He however noted that more effort needed to be done by some of the beneficiaries to ensure survival of the seedlings as government spent so much to procure them.
“We found out in some areas that what they need to do is to water them constantly,they just have to do that because most of the seedlings are still alive though appeared dry will all come up again,” he said.
Describing the outcome of the visits as impressive, the Commissioner specifically commended schools that took ownership of the seedlings by adopting survival intervention measures amidst challenges.
