Abia State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has stated readiness to partner with Kitovu Technology Company to introduce an initiative aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity in the State.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, who made this known during a meeting with the notable Farmers’ in the state, Farmers’ associations, Kitovu Technology Company, critical agricultural stakeholders and management team of the ministry noted that the partnership would help to revitalize the sector and improve food production.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative seeks to, among many benefits, identify genuine farmers, link communities to commodities, build a credible Agricultural database and develop an Agric map for Abia State.
He explained that the initiative would enable the government and other agricultural development agencies to provide targeted interventions and support to farmers towards improving agricultural productivity and food sufficiency.
Dr Agbaeze, stated that the ministry will be visiting farmers in their various Local Government Areas in the coming days to carry out proper agricultural needs assessment in the communities.
The Commissioner,, who used the forum to appreciate the Visionary Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti for finding him worthy to serve at that capacity, also vowed that the onerous task of revamping the agricultural sector in the state will not be taken lightly.
In her contribution, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, emphasized the ministry’s intention to assess farmers’ needs, enumerate them and collaborate with them to improve the sector.
Earlier In his remarks, the CEO of Kitovu Technology Company, Mr. Nwachinemere Emeka, who explained that their technology will help to gather accurate data, process, and store it in the “cloud” for future use, urged farmers to cooperate with the exercise and inform others about the proposed farmers’ enumeration in the state.
He explained that the initiative is expected to address concerns about soil productivity, climate change, and incorrect pesticide use, which have been among the major challenges facing farmers in the state adding that, With this partnership, Abia State is poised to become a leading Agricultural hub in Nigeria by providing opportunities for farmers, investors, and other stakeholders in the sector.
