Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture has commenced monitoring of the ongoing distribution of over 1million combination of Oil palm, breadfruit, paw paw, kola nut and bitter kola seedlings across the five distribution centres in the state.
The exercise, led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka took the team to Awka, Ajalli, Ogidi, Otuocha and Ozubulu Distribution Centres respectively.
On arrival at each of the Centres visited,it was observed that all the actors were on ground attending to Ward Chairmen and other concerned stakeholders.
The team also saw some of the Local Governments Heads of Department, Agriculture and Extension Workers on ground completing documentation for proper distribution of the seedlings.
Speaking,Mrs Uzoka,said the exercise was geared towards making sure that the beneficiaries are getting the seedlings according to approved specifications.
She said the exercise is part of efforts to ensure seamless distribution, evaluate the success of the exercise, identify and redress challenges as well as follow up actions.
While commending the teamwork among the stakeholders,she urged the stakeholders to adhere to standard planting techniques,advising them to demonstrate the techniques down to their various wards and villages for good yield.
Demonstrating the planting techniques,Aguata Zonal Extension Officer,Mrs Josephine Onah, Outlined good agronomic practices to be observed to include: planting the seedlings 2feet depth and 9metres apart in areas with enough sunlight and air.
While urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the seedlings,she added that organic pesticides such as One Force or dried Dogonyaro tree leaves must be applied as well as soil enhancers or manure at intervals.
In their separate remarks,some of the stakeholders expressed deep gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing them such quality seedlings,noting that the economic trees would guarantee the economic sustainability of Ndi Anambra.
Mr Sunday Okafor,Ward Chairman,Ikenga Community,Aguata Local Government Area,who pledged to supervise the distribution in his area, expressed joy that the exercise was going as scheduled.
He commended the state government for early distribution of the seedlings and appealed for sustainability of the yearly agricultural programme to fight hunger and provide raw materials for industries.
However,the Chairman, Ekwulobia Ward 1,Mr Azubuike Anyaora,appealed to the state government for transportation of the economic trees to various local government areas.
Other stakeholders including Mrs Ogechukwu Ejiofor, Woman leader,Oba Ward 1, Johnmark Ibeabuchi,Chairman Ward 1,Umunya, Chike Nnamdi,HOD,Agric,Anambra East,,Mrs Eucharia Azifuaku,HOD, Agric, Idemmili North,hailed the state government’s initiative.
While promising to abide by the directives and guidelines given by government,they noted that the present government is seriously advancing economic trees revolution which according to them, will make the state a role model in the nation.
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