Enugu Records 63,000 Agricultural Interventions, Unveils Digital Centre

Our Reporter 

The Enugu State Government says it has recorded about 63,000 interventions for farmers in 2026 as part of efforts to modernise agriculture, boost food production and strengthen the state’s agro-allied industrialisation drive.

The government also unveiled an Agricultural Digital Transformation Centre to enhance data-driven planning, productivity and service delivery in the sector.

The initiatives were highlighted on Friday during the 2026 World Food Day celebration in Enugu, where Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a commercially viable sector.

Mbah said the government was developing an integrated agricultural value chain linking production with processing, storage, transportation and markets to reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs and improve farmers’ earnings.

Speaking on the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” the governor said agricultural innovation went beyond digital technology to include improved farming methods, reliable information, efficient extension services, stronger cooperatives and better market access.

He urged farmers to embrace modern production techniques, while encouraging young people to explore agriculture as a sustainable business. He also called on investors and agro-processors to take advantage of opportunities in the state to convert locally produced commodities into finished products.

The governor cited private sector investments and the operations of Songhai Farm as examples of how innovation and commercial investment could improve agricultural productivity and drive economic growth.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Allied Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Ubru, said the state was transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming, with increased emphasis on processing and locally branded products.

Ubru disclosed that the government had recorded approximately 63,000 interventions for farmers during the year, adding that the administration had fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations for agricultural programmes.

He expressed optimism about continued collaboration with development partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to expand production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The Managing Director of Songhai Farm, Dr. Nnamdi Ozor, and the Managing Director of Ugwunamba Farms, Friday Sani Nnaji, commended the government for creating an enabling environment for agricultural investment.

Nnaji attributed growing investor confidence to improved security, supportive policies, technological innovation and better access to farmland. He said measures including forest guards, community policing and technology-enabled surveillance had strengthened security in farming communities.

He also advocated the introduction of practical agricultural activities in schools through the Smart Green Schools initiative to encourage young people to develop interest in farming and agribusiness.

The Enugu State Programme Coordinator of the IFAD-supported Value Chain Development Programme, Dr. Edward Isiwu, also commended the state’s agricultural investments.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, assured farmers of adequate security and urged them to report threats and suspicious activities promptly.

The celebration brought together government officials, farmers, investors and other stakeholders to explore strategies for improving food production, promoting agricultural innovation and building a sustainable agricultural economy.