The Enugu State government has expanded its agricultural initiatives by acquiring an additional 200 hectares of land for cassava cultivation in the Nkanu East Local Government Area. This development was announced by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, during a recent inspection tour of cassava farmlands in Amagunze, Nkanu East.
Accompanied by the Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, Mr. Ubru expressed satisfaction with the fertility of the lands, emphasizing the state’s commitment to achieving food security and boosting export opportunities. The Commissioner highlighted the administration’s ambitious goal of making Enugu one of the top three economically viable states in Nigeria through a significant agricultural revitalization.
Mr. Ubru assured that the state would establish cassava processing clusters in Uzo-Uwani, Nkanu East, and Aninri, focusing on cassava production for bioethanol and other purposes within the cassava value chain.
Commending the local government’s involvement, Mr. Ubru acknowledged Hon. Sydney Edeh for supporting the governor’s agricultural initiative. He explained that the state’s “Cassava to Bioethanol Value Chain Development” aims to unlock rural areas, create jobs, and position Enugu as the country’s food basket.
Hon. Sydney Edeh, the Nkanu East council chairman, shared that the state government had set a target of 50 hectares for the council, but they had already surpassed that by cultivating over 60 hectares of cassava. He expressed the council’s commitment to upscaling to 200 hectares soon.
In addition to supporting the state’s objectives, Hon. Edeh highlighted the positive impact of agricultural projects on local security. By converting previously problematic forest areas into cassava farms, the council has contributed to reducing insecurity in Nkanu East.
Furthermore, Hon. Edeh emphasized the collective commitment of the six council areas in Enugu East senatorial district, earmarking a total of 100,000 hectares for various crop cultivation projects. This initiative is part of the broader plan to allocate 300,000 hectares of land for agricultural development across the state.
Officials present at the occasion included the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu East, Hon. Ndubuisi Agbo, Secretary to the local government, Mr. Emeka Nnamene, Supervisor for Agriculture, Sunday Ogbu, Chairman Committee on Agriculture, Chief Sam Udeh, among others.
