They showcased their commodities alongside other farmer groups who had their stands, during the exhibition that took place at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.
The exhibition was organised by the Abia Ministry of Agriculture to commemorate the day.
The food items showcased included orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, rice, garri, parboiled stone-free rice, garri, cassava flour, oil palm, poultry birds, cucumber fruits, pumpkin leaves and others.
The beneficiaries also showcased LIFE-ND Biogas Technology for rural community-based net zero emissions.
The farmers who are mainly youths and women, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their commodities.
Speaking to newsmen, Mrs Violet Ogbomna, a beneficiary, explained that she does not only produce orange-fleshed sweet potato but also process it into different products.
“Orange-fleshed sweet potato is rich in Vitamin A, which is is very good for our sight.
“I use the potato to prepare juice, doughnut, buns, salad, porridge and others,” she said while displaying the items.
Also, Mrs Adline Chima, who is into oil palm, cassava, garri processing and marketing, said that the programme was a great platform for food exposure and letting people know LIFE-ND’s impact in the state.
Mrs Ezinne Okeke, a beneficiary of the biogas technology, said that the technology is an effective solution for managing organic waste generated from farm and other sources.
According to her, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a renewable energy source for cooking.
Mr Godwin Chukwuekezie, the State Agribusiness Promotion Officer, LIFE-ND, said that the project was promoting four commodities of cassava, rice, oil palm processing and poultry in Abia.
He said that the project also engaging the beneficiaries in nutrition mainstreaming in order to ensure they have a balanced diet and maintain a healthy living.
Chukwuekezie, who lauded the state government for the event, said that it provided farmers the opportunity to showcase and market their produce and as well as promote food security in the state.
He said that the LIFE-ND project operating in 100 communities and 10 local government areas across the state, is targeted at youths between 18 and 35 years, women-headed households and persons with disabilities.
Chukwuekezie disclosed that the project had trained and empowered over 2300 beneficiaries, who are doing their agro-businesses in various value chains of the four commodities.
“Already, we have started to settle over 2000 that will make up a total of 4,380 clientele that we have in our data base,” he said.
Also, Mr Chidozie Kanu, the Environment and Climate Change Specialist, LIFE-ND, said that the beneficiaries were being empowered and supported with improved, pest and disease resistant species to avoid food loss.
“We are collaborating with different institutions who help with weather information that we supply to our beneficiaries, to help them have informed decision with respect to their farming activities,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, described World Food Day as a day set aside to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger.
“It is also a day to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all,” he said.
NAN reports that the theme for this year’s celebration is : “Right to Food, For a Better Life and a Better Future.”(NAN)
