Enugu govt urges citizens to go back-to-farm to avert hardship, sufferings

From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

Enugu state government, led by governor Peter Mbah has urged citizens in the state to go back-to-farm and should cultivate any available space within their homes to avert hardship.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialization, 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 of the state.

Ubru said that the “Back-to-Farm” project initiative was in-line with governor Peter Mbah’s administration which focuses on using agriculture for community agro industrialization, food security and employment for many youths and women in communities in the state.

According to Uburu: “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 crops 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 the deck, especially in community,” he said.

Ubru, who planted some yam seedlings, said that governor Mbah had envisioned to cultivate over 300,000 hectares of arable land.

He said that through mechanized farming of extensive land by the state and its Public-Private-Partnetship (PPP) will create massive employment in the state.

The commissioner revealed that the governor had ordered 1,000 tractors for the fully mechanization 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 people especially youths,” he said.

Earlier in a remark, 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.

“Our fore-fathers and fathers were great farmers and hunters as well; while we have continue to preserve this our cherished tradition and 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, adding: “We are witnessing the speed in which many things around us is been transformed in the state.”he stressed.

Also, the Traditional Prime Minister of Amurri Kingdom, Chief Eric Igweshi, called on the state to support communities with agricultural initiative with inputs and small grant to expand their farms and put more efforts in it to enhance food production.