By Joe Akwarandu
Abia State Government (ABSG) has approved the establishment of a CSS-type large-scale integrated farming structure in the state.
The Commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said that the state government is establishing the CSS – type of farm in order to strengthen food security in the state.
According to him, the administration of Dr. Alex Otti has completed the first phase supervision exercise of the CSS – farm trained farmers.
“You recall that sometime last year, about 302 young Abia citizens were sent to CSS farms in Nasarawa State for training and after their training, they were empowered.
“Now we are bringing that to the state, and when that is in place here in the state, it will not only boost the food production capacity of the state government but, offer a training ground for our teaming youths to go into agriculture and agribusiness,” Prince Kanu said.
He also said that the success rate of the first phase of the exercise is put at over 80% and that the beneficiaries who used the funds that were given to them judiciously and trained at least three new farmers, and are in a position to pay back the interest-free funds that were extended to them will be adequately encouraged.
He added that some promises were made to the incubatees (trainees) that they would be identified and adequately empowered after their training to go into different areas of agriculture they were trained in, which he said is in line with the objectives of the programme.
Prince Kanu noted that about 26 of the beneficiaries who did not make themselves available for access or supervision of their projects, and as such, cannot adequately account for the funds extended to them would face serious sanction.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Land and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije explained that mapping of the land space is made to strengthen the efficient delivery of services of the government.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma were present at the briefing.
