Akwa Ibom State Govt distributes 100,000 oil palm seedlings to farmers
As the year 2021 first planting progresses, Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has flagged-off the distribution of about 100,000 Oil Palm Seedlings to farmers in the State.
Performing the exercise, today 29th June, 2021, at the Nursery site, Itak Ikot Udo, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet stated that oil palm is one of the oldest crops with economic importance inherited by Akwa Ibom people, hence Governor Udakwom Emmanuel has decided to encourage farmers in this area.
Dr. Edet reasoned that due to the commitment of the State Government to reduce poverty in Akwa Ibom, Governor Udom is graciously supporting all facets of Agriculture, ranging from cultivation of cassava, cocoa, vegetables, rice, animal husbandry and so on.
She averred that the realities on ground in the Agriculture sub-sector confirmed the Governor’s promise that before he vacates office, over 80 percent of what we consume will be produced in the State.
While Stating that the farm inputs are distributed free of charge, the Agriculture Commissioner recalled that last year over 2,000 cassava farmers as well as vegetables and maize farmers benefited from the State Government’s interest free loans and other supports.
Dr. Edet, who disclosed that the nursery site is one of the Ministry’s demonstration farms, with massive yam cultivation, added that next year yam farmers will get improved seeds for planting.
The Agriculture Boss called on newly registered farmers to key into the Ministry’s regular capacity development workshop in their different areas of interest.
Dr. Edet applauded farmers, Agriculture stakeholders, the host community for cooperating with the Ministry and cautioned that the farm inputs should not be sold out, as defaulters would be sanctioned accordingly.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Mary Bassey in her opening remarks thanked the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for enriching the State through his steadfast agricultural policies.
She appreciated the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Glory Edet for being a key player in delivering on the agricultural mandate of the state Government.
The Executive Chairman Ikot Ekpene Local government Area, Hon. Unyime Etim while commending the ingenuity of the Ministry of Agriculture, recalled that parents in those days depended on processing and sales of oil palm produce for the training of their wards through university education.
Mr. Etim who was represented by the Supervisor of Agriculture Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Joseph Imang lauded the Commissioner for Agriculture for reviving a near forgotten source of income generation for the people.
In their goodwill messages, the State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Prince Bassey Inwang, Chairman, National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria, Mr. Ernest Ekanem, President Iban Ito Iwang, Obongawan Magdalene Udom, President, Women in Agriculture, Mrs. Precious Edet, President Female Farmers Association, Mrs. Margaret Nya, President Youths in Agriculture, Prince Michael Ekanem lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for the massive support to farmers and pledge to cultivate the oil palm seedlings to achieve the targeted goal.
Highpoint of the event was the symbolic presentation of the oil palm seedlings and inspection of the yam farm by the Commissioner for Agriculture.
The event was graced by the Directors in the ministry, Zonal Directors, Agriculture Stakeholders, Leaders of Farmers group among others.
