Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State Government has commenced distribution of 60,000 organic fertilizers to farmers across the 326 wards in the state as part of efforts to boost food security and improve agricultural practices.
The distribution exercise held at the State’s Ministry of Agriculture Premises, Awka, brought together Supervisors of Agriculture,Heads of Department of Agriculture as well as Councillors from various local government areas.
Speaking during the official Flag Off ceremony,the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor,said each of the wards would receive 55 organic fertilizers to be distributed to profiled beneficiaries for farming purposes.
The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka noted that through federal government and Central Bank intervention, inorganic fertilizers were donated to the state, but were converted to organic fertilizers in line with the Regenerative Agriculture policy of the state government.
He said, “We are distributing the organic fertilizers from the FGN/CBN.The state government preaches regenerative agriculture policy of using organic farming for healthy living and feeding.
“A total number of 55 beneficiaries from each ward in 20 local government areas will receive three units of the bio-enhancers.
“While 20 beneficiaries from each ward in Ayamelum local government area will receive three units of bio enhancers.This is because farmers in Ayamelum have benefited previously from the FGN/CBN fertilizers.
” The Supervisors, Councillors and HOD’S were told to ensure that the exercise is an inclusive process that we profile male,female farmers including youths for comprehensive data capture.
” It is so extensively done in the template that it can give us the traceability required, the transparency and accountability required for this exercise and for follow up, because we continue to say it is not for sale”
Ihejiofor assured that government would also provide extension services to help guide farmers on the use of the items through the farming seasons and urged them to make judicious use of the fertilizers.
Contributing, Director of Technical Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Godwin Akujieze, acknowledged the products high quality having undergone approved mandatory tests.
“The products have been tried and tested in the various agricultural zones in the state.We are no more using inorganic fertilizers which is Very toxic to our soil.But this fertilizers boost the soil,gives the soil immunity so that when you plant anything it will do very well.
“You must have to apply it early in the morning or late in the evening using knapsack sprayer.Don’t apply it under the sun because when you do that,it will have adverse effect on the crops.
” The products are highly concentrated and needed to be diluted with water before application.They must be stored in cool places”Akujieze added
Some of the Supervisors and other stakeholders including Hon Mrs Uju Egbuji and Hon Chukwuma Olumba from Onitsha South and Orumba South Local Government Areas respectively, commended federal government for the kind gesture and the state government’s collaborative efforts in getting the fertilizers to the appropriate quarters for maximum usage especially in this dry Season.
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