The Abia Ministry of Agriculture has handed over improved seedlings, fertilizers, and agrochemicals to members of the State House of Assembly for distribution to 615 profiled farmers in their constituencies.
A statement by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Oluchi Franklin-Oji, said the exercise marked the commencement of Phase Two of the State Government’s Farmers’ Inputs Support Programme across the 24 constituencies.
Speaking during the handover, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, said the programme is part of Gov. Alex Otti’s agricultural intervention.
He explained that the intervention is aimed at boosting food production, empowering smallholder farmers, and strengthening food security in the State.
Agbaeze recalled that Phase One was launched on July 10, 2026, and benefited 3,312 farmers across the 184 wards.
He added that Phase Two targets an additional 15,322 farmers statewide.
“The identified farmers have already been contacted directly to facilitate follow-up and ensure effective delivery of the inputs,” he said.
He noted that the intervention is data-driven, with beneficiaries selected from the Ministry’s Farmers’ Database to ensure only genuine farmers benefit.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry is also distributing inputs to the 17 local government areas (LGAs) through their chairmen.
The statement noted that Umuahia North and Bende LGAs have already taken delivery, while distribution will continue progressively to cover all LGAs.
Meanwhile, to ensure impact and sustainability, the Ministry is collaborating with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU) through its Agricultural Business Incubation Centre (ABIC),
According to the statement, the collaboration is for training, extension services, and hands-on monitoring of beneficiaries.
The Director of MOUAU ABIC, Dr Ogbonnaya Oteh, said the collaboration will equip farmers with requisite knowledge and skills, track their progress, and provide technical guidance.
Speaking on behalf of the House, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Mr Dennis Chinwendu, commended Otti for the initiative.
He pledged that lawmakers will work with traditional rulers, ward leaders, and extension agents to ensure transparency and that inputs get to the intended beneficiaries.
The government reiterated its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural programme that creates economic opportunities and strengthens food security in Abia.
