GOVERNMENT SET TO DEVELOP RICE IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN ANAMBRA COMMUNITIES, PARTNERS NALDA
By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
The Anambra State Government says it will develop rice irrigation projects across the state in its bid to enhance food security.
Selected Communities for the project include Umumbo, Ogbakuba, and Ndikelionwu in Ayamelum, Ogbaru and Orumba North local government areas respectively.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, made this disclosure during a consultative meeting with leaders from Umumbo community in his office.
He explained that government would fully develop the land resource for rice production utilizing ATAPS completed pumping station to be commissioned next month.
“Lower Niger Irrigation Project targets Umumbo and some other communities, but in your community, we have significant land resource for rice production.
“We thought it necessary to inform you that government intends to use the whole of the part that belongs to us which is 100 hectares for rice production this year.
“Government has reached a decision to get directly active in rice cultivation and production using a developed facility in your area and we intend to put that land resource into use.”
According to him, government in collaboration with National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) will also develop a large expanse of land in Urum Community and other areas served by the irrigation facility.
Dr Ihejiofor further added that the state government would utilize the land as a demonstration center for farmers to execute cutting edge modern techniques for enhanced rice productivity.
The Traditional Ruler of Umumbo Community, HRH Igwe Simon Chidubem, affirmed government ownership of the land and pledged the support of the community toward ensuring the actualisation of the project.
While urging for a transparent process, he directed the President General of the community, Charles Enuwa, to sensitise inhabitants accordingly regarding the proposed project.
Contributing, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, described the community as having huge potentials for food production in the state.
She hailed the traditional ruler for accepting the proposal and show of commitment to advancing agriculture in the state, assuring that the project when developed would be beneficial to the community.
Present at the meeting were the Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr Jude Nwankwo, President General, Umubo Community, Mr Charles Enuwa, Staffers of the Ministry including Mr Joseph Okonkwo, Mr Cyril Anaekwe and Mrs Uju Edoagu.
*Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Curry Information, Anambra State*
0 Comments