The religious institution is the latest to catch the message in a seeming Agri revolution and awareness that is catching the country. The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Nnewi, Rt Rev Ndubuisi Obi the diocese has acquired extensive land in various parts of the South East for agricultural activities in what is a large-scale agricultural project to ensure food availability and boost the diocese’s finances. The Bishop disclosed that farms have already been established in the Diocesan jurisdictions like Okija, Ozubulu, Anaku and Igbariam with significant harvests of crops such as cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, green pepper, cassava, and yam already made in Okija. He added that arrangements were in place to acquire more land in Akpugoeze, Enugu State, and Ufuma by the end of the year.
The agricultural Bishop delightfully disclosed the fishing successes In Ozubulu, where the diocese operates 40 large fish ponds, a piggery section, a poultry, and a snail section.
He went on to disclose other areas where the diocese has made significant agricultural strides, “Nnewi diocese employs an irrigation system to ensure constant water supply, allowing for continuous harvesting of vegetables. Palm oil mills have been established in both Okija and Ozubulu, producing DONAC Palm Oil. Additionally, garri processing machines have been set up in both locations, producing DONAC Garri,” he said.
“A full rice mill has been established in Anaku, producing DONAC Parboiled Rice, which dominates the market due to its competitive pricing. The diocese has also planted 50 hectares of rice in Igbariam, which will be processed and packaged at the Anaku rice mill.” “In Akpugoeze, the diocese has purchased 5,000 plots of land for farming and agricultural purposes, offering partnership opportunities to interested individuals,” he concluded.