Ebonyi State Government Empowers Farmers with Modern Agricultural Techniques through Partnership with Thailand

Strategic Insights -

The Ebonyi State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Government of Thailand to boost food security and agricultural productivity in the state. The partnership has led to the training of 100 farmers from the state's 13 local government councils on modern techniques in rice and livestock production. Nkechinyere Iyioku, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, disclosed that the initiative is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru's renewed drive to position Ebonyi as the food basket of the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ebonyi State Government has trained 100 farmers on modern techniques in rice and livestock production through a partnership with the Government of Thailand.
  • The training is part of the state government's effort to boost food security and agricultural productivity in the state through people's charter of needs.
  • The administration has intensified efforts by distributing agricultural inputs to farmers across the state at no cost, with recent improvements in food affordability attributed to increased participation in farming and sustained government support.
  • Food prices in Ebonyi are more affordable compared to neighboring states, with rice now selling for between ₦22,000 and ₦25,000 compared to ₦35,000 to ₦40,000 during the last December period.
  • The state government's long-term goal is to position Ebonyi as the food basket of the nation, with a focus on rehabilitating dams and promoting irrigation-based farming.
  • A recent milestone achieved by the Ministry is the harvesting of over 3,050 kilograms of paddy rice from its demonstration farm in Ishielu Local Government.
  • Despite challenges such as climate change and flooding, the state government is proactively addressing them, with 70% of farmers testifying positively to the government's agricultural interventions.

Statistics:

  • 100 farmers have been trained on modern techniques in rice and livestock production through the partnership with Thailand.
  • Food prices in Ebonyi have decreased with rice now selling for between ₦22,000 and ₦25,000 compared to ₦35,000 to ₦40,000 during the last December period.
  • Over 3,050 kilograms of paddy rice have been harvested from the Ministry's demonstration farm in Ishielu Local Government.
  • 70% of farmers are testifying positively to the government's agricultural interventions.

Sources:

  • Nkechinyere Iyioku, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, speaking at a press conference in Abakaliki.