The Anambra state government has flagged off a major subsistence farming campaign against hunger and dearth of food.

 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo performed the inauguration of the initiative tagged; “Farm to Feed” Campaign at a farm in Amansea, Awka North Local government area.

According to Governor Soludo, though the government has a lot to do, the citizens have much more to do by turning farming and agriculture into the new national pride.

 

Governor Soludo enumerated some roles expected from the government to include, introduction of policies and incentives, provision of cheap capital, cheap financing, improved seedlings, rural infrastructure, improved supply chain to the urban centres, security, irrigation schemes, among others, describing the farm to feed campaign as a simple partnership deal between government and the people to end hunger in the next twelve months.

While stressing that his administration will partner with organizations including churches, Local Government’s Areas chairmen, among other stakeholders, to work out schemes, celebrate farm champions, the Governor encouraged everyone to go into agriculture, adding that while it is good to complain, it is also better to do something.

 

He assured that his government will continue to do more to churn out agricultural policies and initiatives that will benefit the people on a sustainable basis.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor applauded the Governor for thinking through the current hardship in the country, saying that the programme will bring comfort to the people if they embrace it.

 

Testimonies of success stories from farmers including, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Anambra Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, among others, described agriculture as the solution to hunger and poverty.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo accompanied the Governor to the event, which featured a symbolic planting exercise by the Governor.