Agency, ADP To Launch Nationwide Regenerative Agriculture in Anambra

The Organic Agricultural Development Culture and Practice Pilot Programme in collaboration with Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), has launched a nationwide scheme on the use of regenerative farming system Anambra State.

Flagging off the Programme at the ADP Conference Hall, Ministry of Agriculture, Awka, the State Commissioner for Agriculture,Dr Foster Ihejiofor, expressed delight that the state was chosen as the first to benefit from the scheme.

He described the programme as a fulfillment of the clarion call by the state government to encourage farmers to migrate to regenerative agricultural practices to tap from its numerous benefits.

The Commissioner who was represented by the ADP,Programme Manager, Mr Jude Nwankwo, noted that the commencement of the scheme was a clear evidence of the desire to transform the nation’s agricultural sector through organic farming techniques.

The National Coordinator, Organic Agricultural Development Culture and Practice Pilot Programme, Chief Martin Ihesie, said the programme will train no fewer than one million farmers nationwide on organic farming system.

“The cardinal aim of introducing the programme to Nigerian Farmers via ADP offices in each of the 22 selected states by the Federal Government is to ensure effective and maximum success.

“We will be growing about 12 organic food crops and fruits and form 10 Cooperatives in each electoral wards and each will consist of 20 persons going organic. We will groom them, give them certificates and organise seminar and workshops for them.”

While stating that the programme was conceived in response to the need to shift from chemical to organic farming, he explained that it would also ensure food sufficiency for domestic consumption.

In a Goodwill Message, the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anambra State, Mr Arthur Mbuba, described the event as apt, noting that time has come farmers to key into organic system of farming to guarantee market for our produce.

The Director who was represented by Mr Vincent Okeke, who testified to the goodness of organic food produce, reiterated the commitment of government to support agencies to strengthen regenerative agriculture to promote the drive for enhanced food and nutrition security.

One of the participants and a former Permanent Secretary, Comrade Leo Imoka, explained that the scheme would make our produce fit for export and also attract huge Foreign Direct Investment in the state thereby creating jobs to fight crimes and other negative indulgences by the youths.