By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Dr. Eric Odo, has expressed his administration’s readiness to eradicate poverty and guarantee food security by rejigging agriculture in the area.
Odo stated this on Monday, February 24, during the flag-off of Agricultural Public-Private Partnership Programme (PPPP, or P4) between the LGA and resourceful crop farmers in Ogbede, a community in the area.
The Chairmen said his administration would focus on the area of comparative advantage in agriculture, stressing that the programme is in line with the agenda of State Governor, Peter Mbah.
Asserting that time has come for poverty to be eradicated, the Council boss hinted that agriculture is the surest way to lift the people out of poverty.
Odo disclosed that agriculture is expected to contribute 17 per cent of the anticipated $30 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state.
“Igbo-Etiti LG has every capacity to support the agricultural programme of Enugu State government.
“By next year, we will make special budgetary provision for this P4 programme in order to expand it.
“In fact, no amount of budgetary provision will be enough for serious government to invest in agriculture.
“We have engaged farmers to plant five hectares of yam, cocoyam, pepper, cassava and beniseed,” Odo stated.
The Chairman warned farmers against misusing the funds to be provided them, saying they would account for every kobo given to them.
Earlier, the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Donatus Okpokoeze, explained that P4 is an initiative where interested farmers who are ready to enhance their agricultural product, agree on creating new vistas in agriculture.
According to him, the LG would provide finance for the production of crops, while the farmers will provide land and services required for the production.
“At the conclusion of the farming season, the cost price is deducted from the income in favour of Local Government that funded everything.
“The net profit is divided between the farmer and the Local Government 70:30 per cent ratio (Local Government, 70%, and the beneficiary farmer gets 30%).
“The farmer must provide a guarantor, who will stand for him or her to avoid the abuse of the process by mischievous persons,” Okpokoeze stated.
