The Enugu State Government says it is positioning agriculture as a major source of employment through the development of smart farm estates, greenhouse farming, agro-processing and increased private sector investment across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, disclosed this during ‘Political Conversations’ a programme on Freedom Square Tv, hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke Ph.D, where he outlined the state’s efforts to modernise agriculture and create sustainable jobs, particularly for young people.
Ubru said the government’s farm estate programme is expected to generate more than 256,000 jobs, while ongoing youth-focused agricultural initiatives are already creating employment opportunities across the state.
He revealed that the ministry has trained 25,000 youths in modern agricultural practices, expressing optimism that each trained participant would engage at least two additional persons, thereby expanding employment within the sector.
According to him, the government is implementing smart farm estates in the state’s 260 political wards, with land clearing and infrastructure development already at advanced stages in several communities.
The commissioner said the initiative also includes the deployment of greenhouse farming technology aimed at attracting young people into agriculture by promoting year-round production and reducing dependence on traditional farming methods.
He explained that the state plans to deploy thousands of greenhouses across the wards as part of its strategy to increase productivity while encouraging technology-driven farming.
Ubru further disclosed that the government is attracting private investment into agro-processing through incentives such as the Enugu State Land Bank, improved road infrastructure to farming communities and public-private partnership arrangements.
He cited ongoing investments in the rehabilitation of agricultural assets and the establishment of cassava processing facilities, including a solar-powered processing plant developed by young entrepreneurs in Enugu State.
According to the commissioner, the government’s vision extends beyond increasing agricultural production to establishing Enugu as a leading agro-industrial hub where raw agricultural produce is processed into higher-value products before reaching local and international markets.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining international quality standards, noting that the state is promoting traceability in production, encouraging the use of biofertilisers and organic farming practices, and educating farmers on certification requirements to improve the export competitiveness of agricultural products.
Ubru urged young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the agricultural value chain, insisting that modern agriculture now offers viable business and employment prospects beyond conventional farming.
He said the administration remains committed to expanding investments in mechanisation, processing and value addition as part of efforts to grow the state’s economy and improve livelihoods through agriculture.