Gov. Mbah Vows To Make Enugu Net Exporter of Agric Products

Gov. Mbah made the commitment, Saturday, during the distribution of over 40,000 bags of fertilizers, agrochemicals, rice seeds, and bundles of cassava stems to farmers at Okpara Square, Enugu.

He recalled that one year ago, his government distributed 12,000 bags of fertilizer, 51 power tiller machines, and other essential inputs such as rice seeds, cassava stems, and herbicides free of charge.

According to him, those interventions contributed to this year’s bumper harvest and a reduction in the prices of major staple crops across the state.

“Our farmers are the backbone of our communities. They till the soil and bring food to our tables. Without them, there is no sustenance, no prosperity, no growth,” Governor Mbah said, adding that his government is committed not just to recognizing the sector’s potential but also to backing it with massive investments.

He announced that his administration is establishing 200 hectares of farm estates in each of the 260 political wards in Enugu State. These estates, he explained, would be equipped with modern technology and sustainable agricultural practices, including central warehouses, processing facilities, tractor sheds, irrigation systems, electricity, and water supply.

He added that another key component is the provision of mechanized services such as tractors and other modern agricultural tools.

On mechanization, the governor announced that the state has taken delivery of 102 tractors, with an additional 98 expected soon, while 800 more will be assembled locally at the Nortra Assembly Plant in Enugu.

“With this, our registered farmers now have access to mechanized farming systems through our tractor services,” he noted.

The governor also revealed that over 60,000 farmers have been registered in the state’s agricultural database, stressing that only profiled farmers would benefit from the support intervention.

He described agriculture as “a big business” with the potential to grow the economy, reduce poverty, and restore dignity to the people.

He further disclosed plans to upgrade Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, into a University of Agriculture as part of efforts to deepen agricultural development.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Hon. Patrick Ubru, lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as “an agricultural revolution in Enugu State.”

He noted that both commercial and smallholder farmers now enjoy an enabling environment to thrive, thanks to the governor’s policies and investments.

The event attracted farmers from across the 17 local government areas, council chairmen, and top government officials, who commended the state administration’s bold steps in revamping agriculture to ensure food security and economic prosperity.