By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The International Fund for Agricultural De velopment (IFAD) assited Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) says its 9-years of operation in Ebonyi has greatly enhanced the lives of benefiting farmers.
The National Programme Coordinator (NPC) of IFAD-VCDP, Dr Fatima Aliyu made the declaration in Abakaliki during the official distribution of agricultural equipment and agro chemicals to beneficiaries in the state.
Aliyu represented by Mr Gidado Bello, the Human Resource Advisor, IFAD-VCDP headquarters Abuja said that such enhancement has led to improved empowerment, food production and security in the state.
“One of our biggest achievements is the perfect alignment of our programmes with policies of the Ebonyi government which leads to its continued support to us.
“These equipment represents the kind of intervention we give rice and cassava farmers in benefiting states.
“This is not all but a bit of such intervention we have consistently given beneficiaries in Ebonyi and they appreciate such,”.
He noted that the equipment will form the ‘one-stop agro input store” where farmers can pick what they need to improve their livelihood.
Gov. Francis Nwifuru in his remarks, said that IFAD had being instrumental to the progress recorded by the government in assisting farmers in the state.
Nwifuru represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku said such assistance included provision of grants, farm inputs, access roads to farmlands, among others.
“IFAD is presently distributing rice, cassava production and processing equipment among others to farmers from eight participating local government areas,”.
Mrs Chioma Nweze, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Community Development urged the beneficiaries not to despair due to challenges encountered in the farming ventures.
“IFAD-VCDP is about the people and communities as I urge you to save from the proceeds of your produce,” she said.
Mr Sunday Ituma, the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCD said that the beneficiaries contributed about 30 per cent of the equipment while IFAD – VCDP contributed the rest totaling N60. 9 million.
“This is a matching ground intervention aimed at reducing poverty, support youths and women especially the vulnerable groups to practice agriculture effectively.
“We thank Gov. Nwifuru for approving the counterpart fund contribution of N100 million which has greatly assisted our activities,”
Mrs Theresa Igwe, a beneficiary thanked IFAD-VCDP for the gesture and pledged that the equipment would be put into proper use.
The equipment were handed over to various farmer- groups include 10 water pumping machines, 10 rice-reapers, 10 rice planter, 10 scalers, 10 stitchers among others.
