Ahead of the planting season, the Akwa Ibom State government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has begun the distribution of farm inputs to secondary schools in the state. While distributing the inputs on behalf of the government in Uyo, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said the exercise was to ensure an increase in food production in the state. Offor said that over the years, the government had ensured continued annual assistance to farmers with farm inputs, while adding that the distribution would run through the first and second planting seasons for the overall aim of achieving food sufficiency.
“We must commend Gov. Udom Emmanuel for his efforts to make Akwa Ibom food sufficient state. This is as illustrated through the distribution of different farm inputs to farmers, groups and public schools as well as access to finance and training. Let’s change the narrative of subsistence agriculture to the practice of agriculture as a business, in order to increase local production. Do not sell the items; but, please, put them to good use, report any challenges you may face to the Ministry of Agriculture for assistance”, Offor added.
She mentioned that apart from distributing hybrid cassava cuttings, maize and other inputs to schools, the government would also distribute similar inputs to farming groups and individual farmers. Offor said further that the programme was meant for public secondary schools in the state, and that schools in all the senatorial districts in Akwa Ibom state would benefit from the exercise this season. In his remarks, the Principal, Four Towns Secondary School, Uyo, Mr. Ime Ekpo, appreciated the governor for providing the inputs at the right time. Ekpo said that the distribution would enhance farming activities and improve yields during the harvest period.
