World Food Day: Abia repositioning agriculture for jobs, wealth creation – Agric Commissioner

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze has said the state government was repositioning agriculture as a driver of jobs, higher rural incomes, reliable food supplies, and opportunities for our young people.

Dr. Agbaeze stated this in Umuahia on Friday while speaking during the 2026 World Food Day celebration with the theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow”.

The Commissioner said this year’s theme was a reminder that food security tomorrow depends on the decisions and investments that are made today.

He disclosed that through the Abia State Agriculture Dynamic Database System (Abia ADDS), farmer enumeration and mapping across the State’s 184 wards are helping government to improve planning and target support.

“The Farmers Support Programme, flagged off on 10 July 2026, targets 18,634 verified farmers across all 17 LGAs with improved planting materials and other inputs. We are also advancing rice clusters in Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia and Isuikwuato under the proposed 8,500-hectare rice cultivation programme.

“Innovation must go beyond seeds and machinery. Digital tools can help register farmers, improve payment traceability, monitor crop development and farm operations, manage inputs, track produce and connect farmers to buyers”.

Dr. Agbaeze stated that his Ministry is pursuing partnerships with technology providers, financial institutions, researchers and farmer groups to identify practical, affordable solutions that help farmers produce more, reduce losses and earn better incomes.

“We are also considering modern farm settlements supported by infrastructure, technical services, digital management and market access.

“Strategic agricultural assets, including Ulonna, may contribute to this model, subject to due diligence, sound governance, commercial viability, environmental responsibility and benefits for host communities and farmers”.

Dr. Agbaeze informed that the Dr. Alex Otti administration is promoting climate-resilient practices, better soil and water management, improved storage and reduced post-harvest losses.

“In livestock, locally available feed resources and the safe use of suitable agricultural by-products can help reduce costs, while circular-economy practices can return nutrients to the production system. Strong collaboration among government, farmers, communities, universities, financiers and responsible investors will be essential”.

He commended farmers, livestock producers, fishers, processors and traders whose work he said sustained the food system.

The Chief Veterinary officer of the State, Dr. Onu Nwokedi, in his lecture said the World Food Day provided important opportunity to renew people’s commitment towards eliminating hunger, malnutrition, strengthen production and food systems that can provide for the present and future generations.

“The message is clear, if we want a food secure tomorrow, we must start today to invest in innovation and agriculture.

“Agriculture remains central to feeding a growing population and for us to do that today, we must embrace digital agriculture”.

He called for the building of food systems that are productive enough to feed the population and be resilient enough to withstand future challenges.

In his lecture titled “Planting and proper management of improved seeds and seedlings”, Igwe Walter said when seeds and seedlings are properly managed under good agronomic practice (GAP), they have yield and are resistant to pests and diseases.

He itemized processes of managing improved seeds and seedlings which he said are valuable investment for every farmer.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa commended farmers in the state for adhering to the guidelines given to them by the Ministry on how to handle improved seeds and seedlings.

She urged the farmers to always support government’s efforts in repositioning the agric sector in the state.

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