By: Bayo Obalende
The Governor Alex Otti-led government in Abia State, seem to be making visible, significant strides in the agricultural sector.
Given the governor’s promise to revolutionize the agriculture sector, one of the key initiatives, put in place to drive the sector was the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a World Bank-supported project aimed at improving rural infrastructure and enhancing agricultural value chains.
Under RAAMP, the Abia State Government flagged off the construction of a 19.1-kilometer road, to connect rural communities to markets and improve the transportation of goods.
This project is expected to contribute to greater economic prosperity and food security, not just in Abia State but across the country.
In addition to RAAMP, the Otti administration has initiated laudable policies to support small and medium enterprises, encourage private sector investments, and promote science and technological education.
These efforts aim to foster an environment where research, innovation, and industrial growth can thrive.
The government has also partnered with stakeholders in the agricultural sector to support efforts in the fight against hunger and food insecurity.
This partnership is deemed crucial, reminding citizens of the importance of food to humanity and the need to go beyond just producing food to ensuring that it is accessible and affordable.
Some of the key areas being given maximum attention are in the areas of providing Agricultural Infrastructure Development, Upgrading rural roads and constructing new ones to improve access to markets and enhance agricultural productivity.
There has been strong and meaningful support for Small and Medium Enterprises which is yeilding positive results.
The government has initiated policies to support SMEs in the agricultural sector, encouraging private sector investments, and promoting science and technological education.
There are efforts also made in partnership with Stakeholders. This involves collaborating with stakeholders in the agricultural sector to support efforts in the real fight against hunger and food insecurity.
The State government is
fostering an environment where research, innovation, and industrial growth can thrive, with a focus on leveraging agriculture to drive important economic outcomes .
Key Infrastructure Projects have been recorded among them are Rural Road Constructions, Irrigation Systems, Agricultural Storage Facilities and the Farmers’ Markets. The state government embarked on an ambitious rural road construction project, targeting over 500 kilometers of roads across the state. This initiative according to Gov Otti, aims to improve access to rural areas, enhance agricultural productivity, and facilitate the transportation of goods to markets.
There are irrigation systems to support year-round farming as the government has invested in the development of irrigation systems, including the construction of dams, canals, and water distribution networks.
Again, modern agricultural storage facilities are being built across the state to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of agricultural produce.
The government has constructed modern farmers’ markets, providing a platform for farmers to sell their produce and connect with buyers.
The argument is that increase agricultural productivity, through improved rural roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities will enhance farmers’ ability to produce and market their goods.
It will boost economic growth as the development of agricultural infrastructure will attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the state.
By supporting agricultural productivity and reducing post-harvest losses, the government’s initiatives is expected to contribute to improved food security in the State and even beyond.
