Agriculture remains the most dependable foundation for sustainable economic growth, food security, and social stability in any developing society. When properly prioritized, it serves not only as a source of nourishment but also as a catalyst for industrial development, employment generation, and rural transformation. It is within this broader context that government attention to legacy agricultural estates becomes both timely and strategic, especially in an era marked by rising food costs and economic uncertainty.
The renewed focus on agriculture presents government with a rare opportunity to recalibrate development priorities by returning to assets that once sustained the local economy. Legacy agricultural estates such as the Ulonna Farm Settlement, Abam Rubber Plantation, the Bende Palm Belt, the Ohafia rice belts, and the vast Ukwa producing communities are not relics of the past. They are strategic resources whose revival can redefine food sufficiency, job creation, and internally generated revenue if approached with deliberate policy direction.
Government is advised to adopt a coordinated revival framework rather than fragmented interventions. The Ulonna Farm Settlement, for instance, possesses the scale and land capacity to function as a central food production hub if supported with modern mechanization, irrigation facilities, storage infrastructure, and reliable access roads. Beyond cultivation, Ulonna should be repositioned to host aggregation centers, agro processing clusters, and structured cooperatives that translate production into measurable economic outcomes.
At the Abam Rubber Plantation, attention should shift toward restoring competitiveness in the cash crop and export economy. Rubber remains a high demand industrial commodity, and with targeted investment in replanting programs, improved tapping techniques, and public private partnerships, Abam can once again generate export revenue and industrial inputs. Government policy in this regard should balance investor incentives with community participation to ensure long term sustainability.
The Bende Palm Belt equally offers a strategic advantage that requires deliberate government action. Palm oil plays a central role in food systems, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing. Revitalizing these estates through improved seedlings, extension services, and decentralized processing mills will empower smallholder farmers while strengthening value chains. With a clear palm development roadmap, Bende can emerge as a competitive regional palm oil corridor.
Furthermore, the Ohafia rice belts and Ukwa producing communities represent critical pillars in strengthening food self sufficiency and crop diversification. Government intervention should prioritize improved seedlings, water management systems, processing facilities, and market access. Expanding rice cultivation in Ohafia can significantly reduce dependence on imported grains, while commercializing Ukwa production can unlock niche markets and increase rural incomes.
In addition, serious deliberation must be given to governance, funding, and institutional continuity in the agricultural sector. Government is encouraged to establish a dedicated agricultural revival task force with clear performance benchmarks, insulated from political cycles. Budgetary allocations should be predictable and complemented by development finance, donor support, and private capital. Transparent land tenure arrangements, farmer education, data driven planning, and consistent monitoring will ensure that revived estates do not relapse into neglect after initial interventions.
In conclusion, reawakening legacy agricultural estates demands vision, consistency, and sustained political commitment. Government is encouraged to view this agenda as a long term investment rather than a short term accomplishment. With sound planning, private sector collaboration, and inclusive community engagement, Ulonna, Abam, Bende, Ohafia, and Ukwa can once again serve as pillars of prosperity and position the state as a competitive agricultural and agro industrial hub.
— ✍🏼 Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Abia 2027 Governorship Aspirant, writing from Umuahia, Abia State
