Over 450 rural farmers in Enugu State have received a significant boost to their operations with the distribution of agricultural equipment worth millions of naira from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government.
The event, held at Okpara Square, saw beneficiaries from five local government areas receive items including power tillers, rice milling machines, tricycles, cassava processors, and solar dryers. The initiative, under the IFAD-VCDP, aims to enhance productivity and income for farmers in the cassava and rice value chains.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Patrick Ubru, emphasized his administration’s commitment to making agriculture attractive and mechanized. He urged beneficiaries to use the equipment judiciously to add value to their produce.
Farmers expressed gratitude, with Charles Ogbuka from Aninri LGA stating the support would reduce production costs and improve yields. The programme officials confirmed that farmers contributed 30% of the equipment cost and will be monitored to ensure proper use, highlighting that over 9,000 farmers in the state have been supported since 2020.
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