Member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Moses Essien has applauded the climate-smart agriculture initiative by an indigenous Non Governmental Organisation, ECEWS in partnership with Aviclaire Farms
Essien, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security gave the commendation on Thursday during an oversight visit by the committee to the firm’s demonstration farm at Usung Idem, Uruk Usoh in Abak Local Government Area.
Essien said that ECEWS had been working with Aviclaire Farms in ensuring food security through a transformative intervention, complementing the state government drive against malnutrition and food insecurity.
He described the initiative as a practical model of climate-smart agriculture capable of generating employment, improving nutrition outcomes, and strengthening food sufficiency in the state.
Essien, who is also the member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency said that he was impressed with the strides recorded by the agricultural firm saying the partnership had created jobs for over 2, 000 youths, thus contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction and economic inclusion.
Essien observed that although ECEWS is widely recognised for its interventions in health and education, its expansion into agriculture and nutrition represents a strategic boost to the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.
“We laud the greenhouse technology deployed by Aviclaire Farms in year-round cultivation of crops such as pepper and tomatoes will significantly enhance food availability and dietary quality in families,” Essien said.
Essien urged residents of Akwa Ibom to embrace modern and technology-driven agriculture, noting that in spite of the oil boom era in the country, agriculture still remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Conducting members of the committee round the farm, the Chief Executive Officer of ECEWS, Dr Andy Eyo, said that the collaboration was conceived to demonstrate the viability of climate-smart farming in ensuring continuous food production and local sufficiency.
Eyo said that the farm commenced operations with four greenhouses and has expanded to 14 within two years, supplying high-quality produce to major markets in Uyo and neighbouring communities.
He added that within five months of operation, the farm produce worth approximately ₦19 million.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Aviclaire Farms, Mrs Victoria Eyo, said the controlled-environment greenhouses ensure precision cultivation and consistent yieldds while serving as a capacity-building centre for students, interns, and those in agric business.
