The Abia State Ministry of Agriculture has called for closer cooperation with the Abia State Orientation Agency to support a new project aimed at creating a farmers’ database called the Abia State Agriculture Dynamic Database System (AbIA ADDS).
Officials of the Ministry made this request during a visit to the office of the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Lady Ure Abazie, in Umuahia.
During the visit, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, said the project is being carried out with support from Kitovu Technology Company. He explained that it is part of the state government’s plan to improve agriculture by using modern technology to make the sector more effective and better organized. He was represented at the meeting by the Director of Agriculture, Dr. Ojo Uma Ojo.
Dr. Agbaeze added that the AbIA ADDS project is meant to build a proper and dependable record of farmers across the state. He said it will also include identifying and mapping farmlands as well as tracking farming activities in different communities. According to him, this will help the government plan better and make smarter decisions about agriculture development.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kitovu Technology Company, Mr. Emeka Nwachinemerem, said the aim of the project is to gather correct and verified information about farmers, farmlands, crops, and all farming activities in Abia State. He explained that this kind of data will help improve planning, boost food production, attract investors, and strengthen the entire agricultural system.
Mr. Nwachinemerem also praised Governor Alex Otti for supporting agriculture in the state. He said the governor has created a good environment that encourages investment and the use of modern farming methods.
He revealed that in the first stage of the project, about 55,000 farmers were already registered and recorded. He added that the second stage has started and is expected to cover around 300,000 farmers across all local government areas in the state.
The project team stressed that the Abia State Orientation Agency plays an important role in the success of the programme. They said the agency is well placed to help because it is present in all 17 local government areas and has strong links with communities at the grassroots level.
They also suggested that willing staff of the Orientation Agency should be trained and used as field workers to help collect information from farmers in their communities. They explained that this would improve the speed and accuracy of the work and also provide some financial allowance for those involved.
The team expressed confidence that working together would help the state build a better and well-organized farming system that supports food security and long-term economic growth.
In response, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Lady Ure Abazie, promised the full support of the agency. She said the agency understands how important the project is and is ready to help ensure it succeeds across the state.
She also said the agency would step up efforts to mobilize and educate people at the community level through its officers in all local government areas, so that farmers will fully take part in the exercise.
