In a major breakthrough, the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization has registered over 60,000 verifiable farmers within 18 months. This milestone is part of the state’s ongoing effort to identify genuine farmers and provide them with necessary support.
The registration program was initiated by Governor Peter Mbah, who aims to make agriculture a “big business” in the state. By registering genuine farmers, the government seeks to eliminate the issue of “political farmers” who previously dominated the sector without engaging in actual farming activities. Fraudulent officials are said to have cornered supports from the authorities using the “political farmers”, who then sell farm inputs like fertilisers to third parties since they had no farms in the first place.
Report says the registration process has been thorough, with ministry staff conducting secret verifications to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. Farmers have been verified with essential details, including residential and farm addresses, National Identity Numbers, and cell phone numbers. The ministry has also classified the farmers’ agricultural practices, including plantations, crop farming, animal husbandry, and agro-industrial activities.
The registration program is part of Governor Mbah’s efforts to boost agriculture in Enugu State. The state has increased funding for agriculture and food production, with a focus on robust farmers’ participation in state and federal programs. This development is expected to make farming a viable business for the state’s citizens. With the registration program in place, genuine farmers in Enugu State can now access necessary inputs and technical support. This marks a new era for farmers in the state, who had previously lost interest in farming due to lack of government support.
