Akwa Ibom Establishes Firm For Mechanised Farming

Governor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom state government has invested in large-scale farming with mechanised agriculture option, to boost food production and curb hunger and starvation in the state

The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, unveiled a modern agricultural equipment leasing facility in line recently to enhance surplus food production.

Speaking during the commissioning of the facility at Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo, the state capital, the governor stated that “the facility is primed to help farmers turn agriculture from a peasant undertaking to a mechanised enterprise.”

He noted that “agriculture is a big business” and urged people not just to see it as a subsistence undertaking but as a potentially profitable enterprise.

Governor Eno said the facility was the first phase of his administration’s intervention through equipment leasing, adding that subsequent phases would follow.

He explained that leasing the equipment would be subsidised by 50 per cent to support farmers in the State, and called on them to take full advantage of the opportunity to produce enough food for the people.

Governor Eno commended the project engineer, Alorye Ogar, a young lady who, according to him, epitomises the Akwa Ibom spirit of excellence and passion for creativity, for her quality delivery of the project.

He noted that Ogar was selected from the ARISE Procurement Portal (APP) based on her perceived competence and urged the youths, especially the female folks among them, to emulate her enterprising spirit.

The governor also commended the facility manager, Ifiok Ekott, who, he said, has shown incredible drive and dedication in interpreting his vision for the facility and in the great work he and his teams have done.

Earlier, the commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, appreciated Governor Eno for prioritising agriculture and food sufficiency in the State.

Speaking on behalf of commercial farmers, the spokesperson of Akwa Ibom Industrial Farmers, Hogan Bassey, appreciated the Governor for the farm equipment leasing initiative, which, according to him, has relieved farmers of the high cost of renting farm equipment.

He noted that currently, the cost of hiring a tractor to cultivate one hectare was N150, 000, which required about N1.5 million to cultivate ten hectares, and expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s initiative and for subsidising hiring of the equipment.