Akwa Ibom gov: Crop production a top priority of my administration

Support aimed at boosting the production of crops that will feed the citizenry in Akwa Ibom state will remain a top priority of the government, according to Udom Emmanuel, the governor.

The governor stated this during an unscheduled visit to the Green House Farm along Airport Road, Uyo, shortly after his arrival from official engagement outside the state.

While inspecting the onions plantation, tomatoes and pepper farms, he expressed satisfaction with the State Ministry of Agriculture for successfully cultivating onions which he said is not very common within the region.

He said the cultivation of onions in the state will put an end to its dependence in the market, and pledged to support farmers cultivate and increase the supply of vegetable and staple food in the state.

“I am more excited with the onions plantation, I think this is the same thing people taught is rocket science because we didn’t even try, we taught probably this could not be done and look at it now within three to four months we are harvesting onions it is perfect, it’s really excellent, I only inspected the tomatoes and the pepper farm to actually assess the level of harvest and be sure that as it is being harvested the nursery is in tune to replant,” he said.

“Within the week I am going to inspect rice, cassava all staple food, so we will use this end of quarter to look at because this is planting season for the local farmers. We can also provide input for local farmers as government to make sure we are able to feed our people.”

According to the governor, the state took advantage of the cut in supply of onions into the state which necessitated the Ministry of Agriculture to swing into its cultivation.

He reiterated his administration’s determination to produce 80 percent of local food consumption before leaving office in May 2023, noting that it was in fulfillment of this vision that inspired his government to venture into the planting of onions inside the Green house and in other locations within the state.

“We have given an order to clear more hectares and plant more, so I am sure by June we should harvest a lot of onions, pepper and other vegetables so that we can feed the people,” he said.

He commended farmers rearing aquatic animals to meet the demands in the state and beyond and encouraged all Akwa Ibom people to own a farm.