Governor Soludo Launches 2023 Farming Season In Anambra State

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Thursday launched the 2023 farming season at Dr.Alex Ekwueme square in Awka, the state capital.

Presenting his address, Soludo who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim stated that agriculture remains a strong pillar and part of the agenda of the state.

“Agriculture has the power to influence the economic climate of the state. Because of its critical function, agriculture plays a major part in the economy of all countries around the world.

“By 2023, the population is predicted to reach eight billion and by 2050, it will reach nine billion. As a result of this, food production needs to rise by 70 percent which might cause food crisis especially in developing nations given the rise of climate change.

“We are already witnessing escalation of food prices in our markets. Imagine what the situation will be like in the next ten years if we do not invest in agriculture.

” We are dedicated in leveraging agriculture as a vehicle for wealth creation and a catalyst to spark economic industrial activities in Anambra state. We intend to make palm oil, the new crude oil ,an abaundant resources that will fuel economic growth, create jobs and uplift our people from the shackles of poverty and criminality”,the governor stated.

Soludo equally reaffirmed that the annual 1 million palm seedlings pledged during his campaign period is being implemented in ernest.

He emphasized that the aim of providing one million palm seedling every year, is to make palm the next crude oil in the state for economic growth, job creation and lifting ndi Anambra out from poverty cycle.

Governor Soludo called on Anambra citizens to embrace the power of agriculture added that the cultivation of a palm seed in our state will assure the reap of fruit of prosperity tomorrow.

On his part, the commissioner for Agriculture,Dr. Forster Ihejiofor who urged all farmers to embrace biological farming practices stated that it involves the use of biological inputs such as bio- complete- compost vermin compost and microbial inoculants which are derived from plant and animal sources.

” Biological farming is not just environmentally friendly; it is also economically beneficial to farmers as it reduces the cost of inputs while improving soil health, plants health, nutrients dence tasty crop yields,animal and human health.

“We will continue to partner with agricultural development partners, particularly UNDP and FAO,who are now resident in Anambra,(thanks to the global clout/credibility of MG) to provide training and technical support farmers who want to embrace biological farming.

“Additionally,we will ensure that our extension officers have the requisite knowledge to provide guidance to farmers about the benefits and implementation of biological farming practices.

” I want to to reiterate the importance of biological farming as a sustainable solution to our agricultural and ecological challenges. I look forward to a productive season and urge all farmers to embrace this approach as we work together towards a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector”,Ihejiofor said.

The event was themed “Biological Farming: Nature’s Sustainability Solution.”

High point of the event was the inspection of farm products at the various stands occupied by representatives of farmers, from the twenty-one Local Government areas of the state, by deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Ibezim along side other stakeholders.