Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
The Enugu State Young Farmers Association, ENSYFA, led by Mr. Kenneth Eze has revealed its plans to explore the practice of Sack-Farming as a means of abating the rising cost of food items and tackling farmer-herder crises in the country.
The group proposed this during their courtesy visit to the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Ubru, on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Joined by members of the group comprised of young farmers in Enugu State, and Mr. Ozor, a member of the group’s advisory board, Eze, presenting a proposal titled “Addressing Food Insecurity through Youth Empowerment in Agriculture”, said the proposal focused on the concept of Sack-Farming as a solution to land scarcity, farmer-herder conflicts, and insecurity
Noting that the identified issues constituted both remote and immediate causes of food inflation in the country, he revealed that the body was committed to playing pivotal roles in combating food insecurity in Enugu State.
Responding, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru extended a warm welcome to the delegation and appreciated the efforts of young farmers in Enugu State.
He highlighted the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and emphasized ongoing government initiatives to support farmers.
Ubru welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to collaborate with ENSYFA.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts by the state Ministry of Agriculture to increase productivity and support young farmers,while encouraging ENSYFA to formally request land allocation from the state government for farming purposes, specifying the types of crops to be cultivated.
The Commissioner also assured the delegation of the security of farmers and livestock, revealing measures put in place by the Peter Mbah-led administration to ensure their safety.
Thanking the Commissioner for his hospitality, a committee was raised to ensure that Enugu State Young Farmers contribute towards the vision of the ministry to achieve 5 million metric tonnes of cassava cultivation this year.
Discussions on adding to the state’s efforts towards increasing the production of crops like Soya, Sorghum, Cassava, Oil – palm, Rice, Maize and Ose Nsukka also formed a part of the visit.