Akwa Ibom Govt. procures 3,000 tonnes of fertiliser for farmers


The Akwa Ibom Government says it has procured 3,000 tonnes of fertiliser for distribution to farmers in the state to increase food production.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel made the disclosure in his remarks during A-3 day Agricultural Policy and Food Summit in Uyo on Thursday.

Represented by Mr Moses Ekpo, his deputy, Emmanuel also said his administration had taken giant strides in repositioning the agricultural sector in the state.

He said it was the critical role that agriculture played in the state economy that informed the need by the state government to prioritise its five-point economic agenda.

According to him, agriculture is providing the pivot role to wealth creation, poverty alleviation and job creation.

“For me, it is already given that agriculture will not only form the bedrock of my administration’s policy, but it will also remain the major pre-occupation of our active populace.

“I consider the agricultural sector as the true foundation of our local economy, given its huge potential to create value chain as well as sustain every other sector of the economy.

“The state government has procured 3,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to ensure increased farm yield and food security for the state.

“The Ministry of Agriculture has started distribution of the fertiliser at subsidised rate to farmers for an improved yield,” he said.

He urged youths in the state to embrace agriculture as it was the most sustainable source of livelihood, instead of running after politicians.

The governor promised that the government would continue to encourage farmers by providing them with farm inputs.

He expressed the hope that the summit would come up with effective strategies and policy frame work that would address poverty in the area.

Earlier, one of the facilitators of the summit, Prof. Obafemi Ajibola, said that the summit would strive to formulate strategies and ensure sustainable agriculture sector for adequate food production for the citizenry.

Ajibola, who presented a Draft Policy Document on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency Strategy at the occasion, urged farmers in the state to embrace agriculture as a viable venture.


He assured them that their effort would yield returns at the end of every cropping season.

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