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Guild of Public Affairs Analysts Commends Gov. Mbah’s Food Security Drive, Inspects Tractor Centre Project.

In a move to evaluate the progress of agricultural reforms in Enugu State, the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, on Monday, 16th June, 2025, undertook an inspection tour of the Nortra Tractor Hiring and Assemble Centre. The delegation, led by the Guild’s Chairman, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, comprised respected members including Dr. Augustine Okolie, Hon. Uchenna Cyril Uchenna Anioke, Ph.D., Dr. Maxwell Ngene, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, Dr. Chikezie Obasi, Mr. Clinton Umeh, Mr. Emeka Odom, and Dr.Chukwudi Anyianuka.

Receiving the team, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, commended the Guild for its interest in the state’s agricultural transformation agenda. He revealed that under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, Enugu State is aggressively deploying agricultural innovations to curb insecurity and enhance food security through farm estate projects.

According to the Commissioner, the government has already imported 100 tractors, with an additional 100 units expected soon. These tractors, he explained, will be permanently deployed to designated farm estates under a central tractor shade system to boost mechanized farming across the state.

Mr. Ubru further conducted the delegation around the ongoing construction site of the tractor assemblage plant, scheduled for completion by July 2025. He disclosed that the facility, once operational, would create over 3,600 direct and indirect jobs for youths. It will also provide accommodation for 24 employees at a time and has the capacity to couple at least 20 tractors daily. Training programs for technicians in tractor coupling, assemblage, and maintenance are part of the project’s strategic objectives.

In addition, the Commissioner announced the establishment of a tractor liaising company and a 1,000-square-metre demonstration farm within the facility. He noted that farmer registration in the state is ongoing, with over 67,000 farmers already enrolled for access to mechanization services, improved seed varieties, and other agricultural inputs.

To support the initiative, the state government is also engaging 300 agricultural extension workers, who will provide technical support and advisory services to farmers across the 17 local government areas.

Speaking on crop production and yield improvement, Mr. Ubru highlighted the establishment of a seed testing laboratory to guarantee seed quality and optimize yields. He disclosed that the ministry has partnered with Tecni to produce and distribute certified seeds of crops, including sorghum, maize, soybean, watermelon, sweet corn, okra, carrot, cassava stems, and tomatoes, alongside the production of organic fertilizer.

He also revealed that the government has rehabilitated the rice irrigation canals at Adani, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area, and raised 200 cocoa seedlings, now ready for planting as part of efforts to boost local production and enhance export capacity.

 

In view of the impressive scope, strategic foresight, and transformative potential of the agricultural projects showcased, the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts, Enugu Branch, strongly recommends sustained government investment and accelerated implementation of Governor Mbah’s agricultural initiatives. The Guild further urges policymakers, stakeholders, and the private sector to actively collaborate in supporting these reforms, recognizing their capacity to enhance food security, tackle unemployment, and drive inclusive economic growth in Enugu State.

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