Anambra empowers 200 women, youths with farm inputs

Anambra State Government has empowered no fewer than 200 women in poultry farming, as they also fully kitted 50 trained youths in bee keeping for original honey production.

Some vitamin A fortified planting materials were also distributed to some farmers.

In a speech at the event, Governer Willie Obiano reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration toward facing agriculture as the number one pillar.

He noted that agric initiatives would help to empower women and youths of the state to be productive as well as to earn a living through agriculture.

Governor Obiano was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, then, applauded the efforts of Chief Osita Reuben Agina Foundation for partnering with State government through the Ministry of Agriculture to construct cottage poultry cages to empower women.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Nnamdi Onukwuba commended the government for taking Agriculture into high levels.

He pointed out that COVID-19 pandemic had shown everyone that food availability was truly one of the essential needs of life that could not be replaced.

Commissioner Onukwuba urged every Anambra indigene to be involved in various levels of agriculture including ‘back yard farming’ (Ugbo Azu Uno), cottage poultry farming and cluster farming.

The Commissioner added that it should be a practice for everyone to ensure food availability and food security during post COVID-19 pandemic.

Permanent Secretary in the Agric Ministry, Mrs. Stephanie Keri-Uzor enjoined the beneficiaries of these programmes to take them very seriously.

“The poultry, the bee keeping beneficiaries and smart mothers must ensure that they take the venture seriously, so as to produce the expected results, which would aim at ensuring food availability and security for everyone.”

Mr. John Okafor, Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture assured of legislative support to the Government.

“We are making necessary laws and motions to further support the great work of the administration, especially in agriculture.

Equipment distributed at the event include 200 poultry cages for households, 4,000 day-old chicks, 4,200 bags of starter mash feed, chicks vaccines and medication for three weeks, 50 smokers, 50 hives tools and cutlasses.

Others are 500 feeders and drinkers, 150 honey bee hives, 50 bee suits with rain boots, 50 swam catchers, 50 attractants, 200 packets of 2kg of maize and vines of yellow flesh sweet potato.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Anthonia Igweike thanked the state government for the gesture, promising to make judicious use of the equipment.