Gov Nwifuru’s Agricultural Drive Positions Ebonyi As Nigeria’s Food Basket — Nwedu

Hon. Nwedu Abraham Nwedu, a member of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service (EBSIRS), has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what he described as renewed efforts to reposition Ebonyi State as a major agricultural and food-producing hub in Nigeria.

Nwedu, in a statement made available to journalists, said Ebonyi's fertile land, favourable climatic conditions, abundant water resources, and hardworking farming population provide the state with significant potential to achieve food security and become a leading supplier of agricultural produce across the country.

According to him, Governor Nwifuru's administration has placed agriculture among the key sectors of its development agenda under the People's Charter of Needs, with interventions aimed at supporting farmers, increasing productivity, creating employment, and strengthening the state's rural economy.

He said the administration's support for farmers through agricultural inputs, improved seedlings, farm equipment, training and other interventions could help increase production while reducing some of the challenges confronting smallholder farmers.

Nwedu particularly highlighted the growing emphasis on agricultural mechanisation, noting that the introduction and deployment of modern farm machinery could significantly reduce the dependence on traditional methods of farming and enable farmers to cultivate larger areas of land within shorter periods.

He said mechanised farming could also make agriculture more attractive to young people by transforming farming from predominantly labour-intensive activities into a more productive and commercially viable enterprise.

The EBSIRS member further commended efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains, particularly through crop processing and other initiatives designed to enable farmers to add value to their produce before taking them to market.

According to him, investment in processing facilities for crops such as rice, cassava and other agricultural products would help reduce post-harvest losses, create additional employment opportunities and increase the income of farmers.

Nwedu noted that Ebonyi's agricultural potential extends across its 13 local government areas, with the state already widely recognised for the production of rice, yam, cassava, maize, vegetables and other food crops.

He said the administration's agricultural policies, if sustained, could strengthen food production while creating opportunities for farmers, agro-processors, transporters, traders and other participants in the agricultural value chain.

He also emphasised the importance of connecting farmers to larger markets, saying stronger market access would encourage increased production and enable Ebonyi farmers to benefit more from the commercial opportunities available within and outside the state.

Nwedu said agriculture should not be viewed merely as a means of producing food but as a major engine of economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction and rural development.

He explained that supporting farmers would have a multiplier effect on communities because increased agricultural activity would stimulate transportation, processing, marketing, storage, retail and other businesses.

He commended Governor Nwifuru for what he described as his administration's commitment to making agriculture a central component of Ebonyi's economic development strategy.

Nwedu expressed optimism that with sustained investment in mechanisation, irrigation, improved inputs, storage, processing, market access and agricultural technology, Ebonyi could further strengthen its position as one of Nigeria's leading food-producing states.

He said the ultimate objective should be to build an agricultural economy capable of feeding the people, creating wealth for farmers and generating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

"Ebonyi is blessed with fertile land, hardworking farmers and enormous agricultural potential. With the right investments and sustained government support, the state can produce enough not only for its people but also for markets across Nigeria and beyond," Nwedu said.

He added that the agricultural transformation agenda was consistent with the philosophy of the People's Charter of Needs, which he described as a governance approach focused on addressing the practical needs and aspirations of citizens.

Nwedu prayed for God's continued wisdom, strength and guidance for Governor Nwifuru as he pursues policies aimed at strengthening agriculture and other sectors of the Ebonyi economy.