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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Enugu State government in collaboration with an agric firm, Ellah Lakes Plc., has distributed free improved rice seedlings to 1,200 farmers in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick Ubru, said the state government aims to improve farmers productivity as it targets the production of about 1,000,000 metric tons of rice per annum.
Ubru said they were partnering Ellah Lakes Plc. to ensure Adarice Farm takes off in earnest and that farmers in the area are trained in modern farming techniques.
“We all know Governor Mbah, with his vision, is poised to transform the agricultural sector with huge investments is making in the sector and all the technology that he is infusing into the sector to make the sector business like because agriculture has become a huge business.
“That is the only source for us to take our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in 2031. Today’s event is championed by our partners, Ella Lakes Plc.
“In addition to moving Adarice Farm forward for increased production, Ellah Lakes will equally train farmers on modern farming techniques which, in turn, would culminate in increased productivity,” he said.
On his part, Managing Director of Ellah Lakes Plc., Chuka Mordi, said they were in joint venture with the Enugu State government to develop Adarice Farm and to train farmers on modern farming techniques for increased productivity.
“We are in a joint venture with the Enugu State government. We agreed with the government to sponsor 1,200 farmers in that cluster to empower them with rice seedlings to increase their yield and to train them in modern agronomy and modern agricultural practices.
“I think whatever the out-growers do is to our benefit because an increased yield for them is an increased yield for us and we hope this is a start to a productive joint venture with Enugu State and with the farmers of Uzo-uwani.”
