World food day is a day established by Food and Agricultural
Organisations around the world.
World Food Day is held annually on every 16th of October.
Speaking on the significance of the Day, the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Emenike Ezinandu explained that food is
one of the most important needs of man and should be in adequate
supply to the masses, but regretted that it is not the case in some
parts of the world especially in developing countries like Nigeria
He posited that to achieve zero hunger in the world, people have to go
back to agriculture to achieve food security.
On the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano’s administration in achieving
the vision of his administration in agriculture and food sufficiency,
Dr. Ezinandu said the State Government has distributed improved
seedlings and provided extension services to meet farmers at their
points of need to guide them on how to use inputs distributed to them.
He explained that the State government also distributed relief
materials and financial assistance to flood affected people and plans
to facilitate their going back to farm immediately the flood recedes
and has as well initiated measures for all year cultivation.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director Extension Services , Ministry of
Agriculture, Mrs Ifenyinwa Uzoka added that Obiano’s administration
is bent on achieving steady food sufficiency in the state and implored
farmers to assist him to achieve the set goals by maximizing the
use of inputs given to them to produce both for consumption and
commercial.
On his part, the traditional ruler of Ifite Dunu, Dr. Chukwuemeka
Ilouno regretted that over the years, people abandoned agriculture
for white collar jobs which he pointed out adversely affected
agricultural development and advised all to turn back to mechanized
agriculture to enhance production of food and alleviate hunger in
the world.
A Nutritionist at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching
Hospital Amaku , Awka, Mrs Onyinye Aniekwe while explaining what
constitutes a balanced diet said that the six classes of food are
supposed to be contained in every meal to enable one build a strong
immune system and help the body fight disease.
While speaking comparatively on the prices of food items in the
market, a trader at Eke Awka Market, Mrs Obianuju Ezeilo remarked that
some food items are relatively cheaper this year than it was previous
years especially garri, plantain, rice, crayfish among others, while
prices of yam and egwusi are still on the high side.
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