The Abia State Government (ABSG) has approved the establishment of a CSS-type large-scale integrated farming structure in the state, aimed at strengthening food security.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that the state government is setting up this CSS-type farm to boost the food production capacity of the state, as well as provide a platform for youth involvement in agriculture and agribusiness. He said, “The administration of Dr. Alex Otti has completed the first phase supervision exercise of the CSS-farm trained farmers.”
In a previous initiative, 302 young Abians were sent to CSS farms in Nasarawa State for training. Upon completing their training, these trainees were empowered to begin their agricultural ventures. Now, the program is being brought back to Abia State.
“When that is in place here in the state, it will not only boost the food production capacity of the state government but offer a training ground for our teaming youths to go into agriculture and agribusiness,” Prince Kanu added.
The success rate of the first phase of the training exercise has been reported as over 80%. The beneficiaries, who utilized the interest-free funds judiciously, also trained at least three new farmers. “They are in a position to pay back the interest-free funds that were extended to them and will be adequately encouraged,” the commissioner noted.
He also mentioned that there were certain promises made to the incubatees (trainees), assuring them that they would be properly identified and empowered to pursue different areas of agriculture that they were trained in. This aligns with the program’s objectives to develop sustainable agricultural practices within the state.
However, Prince Kanu pointed out that about 26 beneficiaries had not made themselves available for access or supervision of their projects. As a result, these individuals cannot adequately account for the funds extended to them. “They will face serious sanctions,” Kanu stated.
In addition to the establishment of the large-scale farming structure, the state government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has approved a support package for farmers.
This will include improved inputs, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
“The distribution will be based on the database from the Ministry of Agriculture, which the Ministry put together during their farmers enumeration exercise,” said Prince Kanu. This initiative aims to ensure that those genuinely involved in agriculture receive the necessary support.
“The improved inputs are meant to help farmers increase their productivity and contribute to the overall goal of enhancing food security in Abia State,” he emphasized. This move also ensures the credibility of the program by targeting the right individuals who are genuinely engaged in farming.
The Commissioner for Information also provided an update on the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Lands and Housing. The ministry is conducting aerial imagery of Abia’s 4,795.74 square kilometers, including radar and 2D line mapping of Aba and Umuahia, which measure about 2,220 square kilometers.
“The aerial mapping of our land space will enable the government to know the extent of lands in Abia and identify areas where government projects can be carried out,” Prince Kanu explained.
Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, the Commissioner for Land and Housing, further explained the purpose of the land mapping. “All these efforts are made to strengthen the efficient delivery of services of the government,” he said. He noted that the aerial imagery would help government agencies identify project sites more easily.
The briefing was attended by Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, the Commissioner for Agriculture, and Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, who were present to support the announcements.
