By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
As part of efforts to ensure effective implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AG) in the state, arrangements are in top gear for inauguration of the Local Government Working Committee (LGWC)
The Local Government NAGS-AP Committee is expected to work under the supervision of the State Working Committee, and to replicate the works of the SWC at the local government levels.
The State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, who made this disclosure during the meeting of the State Working Committee, reiterated the commitment of the NAGS-AP SWC to oversee the fair distribution of the farm inputs to beneficiaries.
He affirmed that the federal government as well as the state government placed greater attention to agriculture. hence the need to equip farmers with subsidized inputs to ensure food sufficiency.
While noting that the programme was part of strategies adopted to enhance food security and address hunger among citizens, he emphasized that the inputs were strictly for farmers and should not be sold.
Dr Ihejiofor added that the initiative was aimed at addressing the on -going food crisis and also provide relief in line with the “Operation Farm To Feed” campaign of the state government.
He, assured of the commitment of both the federal and state government to sustain viable agriculture transformation programmes to boost productivity through comprehensive farmer support services.
Contributing, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka, disclosed that modalities for inauguration of Local Government Working Committees would soon be ready, to facilitate commencement of distribution of the inputs to farmers in all the 21 LGA’S.
The meeting was attended by the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Arthur Mbuba, who doubles as the Secretary of the Committee, as well as representatives from bodies, agencies and associations included in the Committee.