The objective is to support our farmers with the resources they need to increase productivity, improve their incomes and contribute meaningfully to food sufficiency in our communities
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has launched the second phase of his Agricultural Input Empowerment Programme, reaffirming his commitment to improving food production and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the district.
The programme, held on Friday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Field, Ebenebe, in Awka North Local Government Area, was organised in collaboration with Pinatech Engineering Nigeria Limited and the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu.
As part of the intervention, more than 300 bags of 50kg fertiliser and over 20 multipurpose irrigation and spraying machines were distributed to farmers and beneficiaries from communities across the senatorial district.
Speaking during the event, Senator Umeh said the initiative was designed to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and cushion the effects of rising food prices and economic challenges facing Nigerians.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farming inputs to improve crop yields and increase food production, stressing that agriculture remains a vital driver of economic growth and rural development.
According to the senator, the empowerment programme will be extended to other local government areas within Anambra Central, particularly farming communities, to ensure that more farmers benefit from the intervention.
“The objective is to support our farmers with the resources they need to increase productivity, improve their incomes and contribute meaningfully to food sufficiency in our communities,” Umeh said.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor; traditional rulers from Awka North Local Government Area led by the traditional ruler of Ebenebe, Igwe Nnaemeka Christopher Nnaegbuna; community leaders and political stakeholders.
In their goodwill messages, several speakers applauded Senator Umeh for his sustained investment in agriculture, education, youth empowerment and constituency development, describing the programme as a practical response to the economic challenges confronting rural communities.
Bishop Ezeokafor commended the senator for his unwavering commitment to educational advancement and community development, while encouraging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by putting the agricultural inputs to productive use.
The Agricultural Input Empowerment Programme is part of Senator Umeh’s broader constituency intervention initiatives aimed at supporting rural farmers, increasing agricultural output and promoting sustainable food production across Anambra Central Senatorial District.