Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government, has urged all residents of the state to go back-to-farm and cultivate any available space within their homes.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Chief Patrick Ubru, made the appeal while practically flagging off the “Back-to-Farm” project of Amurri Ancient Kingdom in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
Ubru said that the “Back-to-Farm” project initiative was in-line with the Gov. Peter Mbah-led administration focus on using agriculture for community agro industrialisation, food security and employment for many youths and women in communities in the state.
“As a government, we want what is happening today in Amurri Ancient Kingdom to be replicated in every community in the state by traditional rulers (Igwes) and their cabinets taking the lead and driving the project.
“Every resident should fully get involved by planting crop or engaging in animal husbandry.
“Where you do not have a space, you can plant in bag sacks and plastic vase to get involved as all hands need to be on deck especially in community,” he said.
Ubru, who planted some yam seedlings, said that Gov. Mbah had envisioned to cultivate over 300,000 hectares of arable land.
He said that through mechanised farming of extensive land by the state and its Public-Private-Partnetship (PPP) partners create massive employment in the state.
The commissioner revealed that the governor had ordered 1,000 tractors for the full mechanisation of farming and cultivation of over 300,000 arable hectares of land; thus, making agricultural a money spinning business.
“We are planning to train hundreds of youths on modern Songai Farming this year even as we are going to train at least 20 youths from Amurri,” he said.
He thanked Amurri people and its traditional ruler for taking the initiative and prioritising agriculture and setting an example on how community projects can work.
“I must commend the oneness, peace and unity of purpose I see here today. I pray every community in Enugu State can emulate the Amurri people and its traditional ruler,” he added.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Amurri Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Charles Nwoye, said that the yearly “Back-to-Farm” project had been an age-long practice of the kingdom to encourage and teach youths and children all about Agriculture and its overwhelming benefits.
According to Nwoye, our fore-fathers and fathers were great farmers and hunters as well; while we have continue to preserve this our cherished tradition abd heritage.
Nwoye lauded Gov. Mbah on his vision to grow the economy of the state from present $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years.
“We are witnessing the speed in which many things around us is being transformed in the state.
“We have seen massive road construction and reconstruction, smart schools spring up and soon holistic Primary Health Centres in various communities,” Nwoye, who is the Obioha II of Amurri Ancient Kingdom, said.
The Traditional Prime Minister of Amurri Kingdom, Chief Eric Igweshi, called on the state to support communities with agricultural initiatives with inputs and small grant to expand their farms and put more efforts in it to enhance food production.
“After giving these agricultural input and little grant; the agriculture ministry can come up with state agricultural fair within the harvest period of September or October where communities or council areas will come and showcase what they had produced.
“I believe that it will challenge more people in communities/council areas to do more and put best agricultural practices to get better yield for the state agricultural fair,” Igweshi, who is the Osoteze Amurri Ancient Kingdom, said.
