The state coordination office of the FGN/IFAD VCDP has commenced the process of paying insurance premiums   to three hundred and thirty-two Rice farmers, who benefited from the recently concluded input disbursement.

The scheme, which is exclusive to Anambra State beneficiaries, will by next week begin the recording of the coordinates of the farms of the beneficiaries.

Ebele Ezeh  reports that the state Programme Coordinator, FGN-IFAD VCDP, Mr. Nnamdi Agwuncha said the payment of the insurance premiums is another measure to protect the millions of naira worth of farm input disbursed to farmers as a fall back in case of any disaster.

Mr. Agwuncha, who spoke through the state Agric Production Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Chukwukwelu, announced this during further mobilization, sensitization and training of farmers on smart agricultural practices, NIMET and NAIC Interventions on adaptation and mitigation practices at Ogbaru and Ihiala council headquarters.

He also announced their plan to establish one weather station at Ihiala for easy weather forecast, and encouraged farmers to always insure their farms.

 

The state Agro-Technician, FGN/IFAD VCDP, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, who noted that they have established a Rice and Cassava demonstration farms at Ogbaru as learning field, enjoined farmers to make best use of the Extension Agents for maximum results.

In her lecture, the Anambra State branch manager, Nigeria Agric Insurance Cooperation, NAIC, Mrs. Sussan Agbala-Onyenwife unveiled that NAIC takes insurance cover for all food corps at two percent cost starting from germination to maturity level.

Mrs. Agbala-Onyenwife disclosed that victims of last year’s flood disaster have been fully indemnified.

Later in an appreciation message, the Transition Committee chairman, Ihiala Local Government Area, Sir Jude Obi while applauding Governor Willie Obiano for attracting such Agric intervention program, appealed for the inclusion of more farmers’ cooperative societies.

For some of the participants, including Mr. Obi Ezeani and Mrs. Agnes Nweke Rice farmers from Ogbaru and their Cassava counterpart from Ihiala council area, Mrs. Edith Ifeanyichukwu expressed strong willingness to continue to insure their farmers.