…Pledges to support 7,000 farmers from Cross River, Akwa-Ibom and Eboniyi
By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of El-kanis and Partners, Mr Richard Ajah says the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict has negatively impacted on many African countries including Nigeria.
Mr. Ajah noted that Nigeria is already experiencing a decline in the already low output of its two major stable food – rice and maize due to COVID-19 pandemic.
He disclosed this in Calabar during a stakeholders meeting with farmers from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ebonyi States.
Mr. Ajah, who said the prices of grains have gone up in the last six months as a result of an embargo on importation, added that the Sustainable Agriculture Program for Rural Livelihood (SAPRUL) would upscale the average yeild of maize in Cross River and Eboniyi from 1.8mt/ha to 3.6mt/ha and rice from 2mt/ha to 3mt/ha.
He said SAPRUL is targeting over 7,000 farmers in Cross River State and and Ebonyi State
According to him, El-kanis and Partners will provide support to 4,000 maize farmers and 3,000 rice farmers for increased productivity and product supply.
He said: “Already, about 1,100 farmer’s had been trained across Cross River and Eboniyi States, while 1.419 metric ton of of maize has been planted in Cross River and Eboniyi State, while 4.540 metric ton of rice would be planted in the next two months”.
He also said 870 farmers has been trained out of which 520 are youths including 439 farmers trained for maize farming.
He said the main objective and essence of the program is to produce enough food for the South South and South East regions of Nigeria.
“We also increase, incomes for farmers, deploy drones to support farmers, supply chain support, market expansion, supply of over 15,000 rice paddy, 18,000 metric ton of maize, improved inputs and technical assistance to Farmers in Cross River and Ebonyi State”
“We recognize the fact that Agriculture and food sector must be at the heart of every government strategy, this sector is crucial for employment and economic growth “
“It will be key in fighting food security and nutrition, insecurity, reducing poverty and creating decent jobs in rural areas,hence the need for the stakeholders meeting”
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo said his Institution is partnering with El-kanis to develop and improve agricultural productivity of the smallholders, women and youths farmers.
‘”We are encouraged as a University to see many women young and old across the beneficiary States, organizing themselves and networking to empower one another to share experience, best practices and success stories”
He said El-kanis must be seen as a key partner in Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformations Agenda (ATA).
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Dean Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo Professor Godwin Udom commended El-kanis and Partners and other development partners for empowering over 7000 farmers in the two state.
One of the beneficiaries, Theresa Mogbor from Cross River State commended El-kanis and Partners for the stakeholders meeting which she said was very rewarding.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.