In its continuing quest to achieve food sufficiency, the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, today, Wednesday, September 22, flagged off the cultivation of cowpea (beans. )
In a brief ceremony that took place at Government plantation, behind the Green House, Victor Attah international Airport, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, restated the unshakable drive of the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel towards food sufficiency and agricultural boom.
“I want to thank the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who has supported farmers and everyone that has indicated interest to venture into agriculture. The Governor has done well, if he doesn’t love his people, he wouldn’t encourage us to go back to farming, because he believes that it is only through agriculture that poverty can be reduced in our society”, she said.
She added that the state through the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture has cultivated crops that were previously allien to the state.
“Before now we used to go to other states to buy beans, but today, because of the training and empowerment the Governor has given to farmers, we have realised we can also cultivate beans in Akwa Ibom state. We know by this action, other stakeholders in the agricultural sector will be motivated to key into the cultivation of beans to further achieve the food sufficiency policy of the Governor”.
The agriculture boss made a clarion call to individuals, groups and multinationals to partner with the state to restore its glory days where agriculture was a major source of income.
Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Ukoette appreciated the Governor for his love for farmers in the state. She lauded the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet for interpreting the Governor’s vision, which according to her has brought a revolution in the Ministry and has promoted the food sufficiency policy of the Governor.
Others who spoke were, the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan and other stakeholders
Highpoint of the event was the official Flag-off of beans cultivation in the state.
