REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
In a move to boost agricultural productivity and youth engagement in farming, the Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the Executive arm to establish Agricultural Innovation and Development Centers across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The House of Assembly during its plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, adopted the motion which was calling on the Executive to direct relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to commence the establishment of the centers to improve agricultural productivity.
The motion, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Chukwuma Okoye, and co-sponsored by 27 other lawmakers, emphasizes agriculture as the backbone of Anambra’s economy and a key livelihood for its citizens.
Mr Okoye who represents Awka South Constituency 2 , highlighted the need for modern technologies like precision farming, hydroponics, greenhouse cultivation, drone applications, and ICT-driven solutions to improve yields, tackle climate change, and attract younger generations to agriculture.
The Deputy Speaker expressed concern over the annual loss of over 40 percent of farm produce, including rice, cassava, yam, vegetables, palm produce, and fruits, due to inadequate storage, processing, and packaging facilities, which reduce farmers’ incomes and limits the state’s internally generated revenue.
According to him, the proposed centers would include at least one Smart Farming and Agri-Tech Demonstration Centre in each senatorial xone to train farmers and youths on modern techniques, encourage agri-tech entrepreneurship, and promote climate-smart agriculture.
Supporting the motion, Mr Johnbosco Akaegbobi representing Nnewi South Constituency 2, who said he was one of the biggest farmers in the state, noted that there was the need to set up a green house in all the zones as agriculture remains a very sustainable venture.
The Member representing Awka North Constituency, Mr Chimezie Ikwune, said commercial and mechanized system of agriculture remain a sure way to feed a nation and eradicate unemployment especially amongst the youths.
The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme said the innovation and creating of agricultural centers in the three Senatorial zones of the state, would no doubt boost productivity, guarantee food security and increase the state Internally Generated Revenue.
Radio Nigeria correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the motion aligns with ongoing state initiatives under Governor Soludo, including the recently signed 766 billion naira 2026 budget, which prioritizes agriculture, youth development, and technology integration.
