By Abugu Gloria
The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a motion, urging Governor Prof.bChukwuma Soludo to direct relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to commence the establishment of Agricultural Innovation and Development Centres across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The motion, was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye and seconded by Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi.
Hon. Okoye highlighted the strategic importance of agriculture as the backbone of Anambra State’s economy and a major source of livelihood for a large percentage of its population.
He stressed that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies such as precision farming, hydroponics, greenhouse cultivation, drone applications and ICT-driven solutions is essential to improving productivity, building resilience against climate change, and attracting young people into agriculture.
Hon. Okoye expressed concern over the high rate of post-harvest losses in the state, noting that over 40 per cent of farm produce, including rice, cassava, yam, vegetables, palm produce and fruits, are lost annually due to inadequate storage, processing and packaging facilities.
According to him, these losses reduce farmers’ income, lower productivity and limit access to modern technologies, thereby negatively affecting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He called for the establishment of at least one smart farming and agritech demonstration centre in each of the three senatorial zones, with provisions made in the state budget. The proposed centres, he said, would train farmers and youths on modern farming techniques, promote agritech entrepreneurship, encourage climate-smart agriculture and significantly improve the agricultural sector.
He further advocated for the creation of agricultural produce processing and packaging hubs alongside the smart farming and agritech centres, saying that such initiatives would ensure regional inclusiveness, reduce unemployment, create new agricultural value chains and position Anambra State as a hub for agricultural innovation in Nigeria.
Hon. Ikwunne Chimezie, member representing Awka North constituency described commercial agriculture as a profitable venture, noting that government-sponsored large-scale greenhouse farming could help eradicate poverty and unemployment in the state.
He added that experiences from countries such as South Africa have shown that government-backed commercial agriculture, yields significant returns on investment, while creating massive employment opportunities for youths.
Following deliberations, the motion received the in support of members of the House and was read and passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, with the Speaker presiding.
Gloria is of the Ministry of information, Anambra State
