Varsity To Advance Agric Expertise, Food Security

‎Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has said it is committed to advancing agriculture expertise and enhancing food security in the country.

‎The vice chancellor, Maduebibisi Iwe, stated this yesterday at the flag-off of the 2025 Greenhouse-grown tomatoes and pepper harvest season under the Smart Agriculture Initiative.

‎Represented by the deputy vice chancellor (Academics), Nneoma Obasi, Iwe said the initiative was aimed at addressing supply gaps of the produce in the South East and beyond.

‎He said: “The MOUAU Greenhouse Initiative is not solely about production but also serves academic purposes by supporting teaching, research and learning among others.”

‎Iwe, who emphasised the nutritional importance of the produce, described them as rich sources of essential micronutrients crucial for combating hidden hunger across households.

‎Supervisor of the initiative, Mabel Onwuka, said the crops were planted last April and had already grown beyond the MOUAU community.

‎She described the MOUAU Greenhouse model as a climate-controlled, high-yield and sustainable solution capable of transforming local production and distribution systems.

‎Onwuka, who is also the director of the Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development, emphasized the socio-economic relevance of the project to the society.

‎She urged South East governments to adopt the initiative across the local government areas to reduce the region’s long-standing dependence on the produce from other parts of the country.