Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has lauded Abia ADP and Abia Farmers for their active participation and dedication that is enabling his administration to achieve the desired results in Agricultural revolution.
To this end, he commended the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, NSPRI for their collaborative effort with the his administration through the state Adp in enhancing the preservation of Agric products thereby increasing Farmers’ income.
Dr lkpeazu who made the commendation while commissioning the Automated Solar Dryer And Distribution Of Agricultural Products, Processing And Storage Kits at the Abia ADP Headquarters, Umuahia expressed delight that they now have facilities that can help store, process and add value to products which will ensure more empowerment for farmers and enhance the market value of their products.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu recalled that, having made agriculture one of his main cardinal pillars at inception, his Govt will continue to do all it can to ensure food security and create wealth and appreciated the Programe Manager and management of ADP for living up to their mandate.
He promised not to relent in rendering assistance to the ADP till they achieve food sufficiency in the State.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sir Okey Ihedioha said, for the NSPRI to have done this much in presenting the equipment indicates that they are ready to work with the State Govt which is very encouraging and expressed their willingness to support them in every possible way.
He reassured of Government’s preparedness to encourage farmers in the provision of more inputs like fertilizers and pesticides to ensure a bumper harvest of produce
Presenting a goodwill message, the Director, NSPRI, Dr Patricia Pessu represented by the Zonal Coordinator, South South, South East Zones, Dr Idereyim Iwehujor who appreciated the State Governor for allowing them collaborate with Abia ADP, assured that the Storage Kits will mitigate against Post Harvest losses which is the major problem farmers face in addition to reducing the use of chemical application on farm products.
Earlier in his address, the Programe Manager of ADP, Dr Israel Amanze said they collaborated with the NSPRI to establish the automated Solar Dryer in the State in their efforts to bridge the technical gap to farmers on agricultural commodities and encouraged beneficiaries of the Storage Kits and Facilities to use them judiciously to boost food sufficiency in the State.
The ceremony which featured inspection of the Solar Dryer equipment and other facilities by the Governor’s representative attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Comrade Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu, his Boundary Matters and Conflict Resolutions Counterpart, Chief Ndom, representatives of the Secretary to yhe stsye Govt, Head of Service, Top Government Officials and stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector.
Charles Reporting From Deputy Governor’s Office.
March 2, 2022.
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