The Anambra State has commenced distribution of high
pro-vitamin “A” yellow cassava cuttings to farmers.
Governor Peter Obi made this disclosure to NaijaAgroNet at the flagging off the
exercise at the compound of Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
in Awka, the state capital last weekend.
He also presented new utility vehicle and 21 computers to boost
implementation of the programme in Anambra.
According to him, the vehicles should be solely used for the
execution of the project while the computers were for monitoring and evaluation
of the outcome of the new cassava variety Statewide.
He assured that the State government would provide all
logistics to ensure success of the programme as cassava had multi values
including being raw material for beer.
He also said that agriculture has fundamental role in
turning around the State and national economies with huge employment potentials.
Stressing that Anambra State was now on course for sustainable development,
reiterating that no future administration could take the people for granted
again.
Responding, a representative of the development partner, Dr.
Paul Ilona said Governor Obi has demonstrated more commitment to development of
agriculture than any other government in the country, including logistics.
Ilona elucidated that the new cassava variety was not only
for food security but also for promotion of health by supplementing nutritional
intake of the people and assured that the State would receive more supply.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr.
Ndubisi Menakaya, during his speech, said the intervention became necessary to
solve the increased rate of micro-nutrients deficiency among children under
five years and pregnant women which he noted had risen to about thirty
percent.
Menakaya also urged Anambra farmers to take advantage of the
programme to reap its huge benefits.
The programme manager of Anamrba State Agricultural
Development Programme, Comrade Leo Imoka said the programme became a reality in
the State because of regular and timely payment of counter-part contributions
by Governor Obi administration.
The Comrade further revealed that cassava production in the
State has increased remarkably which placed the State as the highest producer
of cassava in the country.
Correspondent/NaijaAgroNet
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