Farmers in Anambra East Receive Boost as State Government Flags Off 2025 Planting Season

 

In a renewed push to combat food insecurity and revitalize grassroots agriculture, the Anambra State Government has officially launched the 2025 farming season in Anambra East Local Government Area with a flurry of promising interventions aimed at empowering local farmers and ensuring sustainable food production.

The event, held under the stewardship of the Mayor of Anambra East, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and graced by the presence of the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, showcased the state’s determination to deepen its commitment to rural development and agricultural self-sufficiency.

Dr. Ihejiofor, in his remarks, reiterated the administration’s priority on food security, describing the move as a deliberate and strategic intervention to support farmers in a region renowned for its agrarian potential. He announced plans by the Ministry of Agriculture to provide soybean seeds and organic fertilizers to farmers in Anambra East — a move he described as a short-term yet significant solution to rising concerns around food supply and quality in the state.

“We are not just interested in quantity; we want to help our farmers grow food that nourishes and sustains,” Dr. Ihejiofor said. “Through the provision of high-quality soyabean seeds and organic fertilizers, we’re not only improving yields, we’re also protecting the soil and preserving the health of our people.”

He further used the platform to emphasize the importance of the state’s regenerative agriculture policy — a long-term sustainability plan that encourages eco-friendly farming practices, soil conservation, and organic input usage. According to him, the policy reflects the forward-thinking approach of the ‘Solution Government’ under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at balancing food production with environmental health.

The flag-off event also saw a symbolic distribution of seed yams and oil palm seedlings by Hon. Chinweze, who reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Anambra East as the “Yam Capital” of the state.

“We are giving out 10,000 seed yams today to our hardworking farmers, not just as a gift but as a cycle of growth,” the Mayor said. “Each beneficiary is expected to return the equivalent number of seed yams next year. This ensures continuity, expansion, and sustainability — it’s a revolving door of opportunity.”

Mayor Chinweze noted that the choice to focus on yam was strategic, given the area’s long-standing reputation for yam cultivation. He also revealed plans for a second phase of intervention, which will focus on cassava stem distribution, with special emphasis on supporting women farmers.

“Women form the backbone of rural farming communities. In the next phase, we’ll be distributing cassava stems mainly to female farmers to scale up food processing and boost household income,” Chinweze explained.

Farmers in attendance expressed optimism over the initiative, calling it timely and crucial, especially as they navigate challenges from climate variability and rising input costs. Many described the gesture as the most robust grassroots agricultural support they have received in recent years.

The presence of government representatives, local leaders, and agricultural officers highlighted the collaborative spirit of the exercise. Dr. Ihejiofor encouraged farmers to key into various state-led agricultural programs and pledged continuous support from the ministry in training, extension services, and access to improved inputs.

With this launch, Anambra East is set to play a pivotal role in the broader agricultural renaissance sweeping through the state — one that blends tradition, technology, and sustainability in pursuit of food sovereignty.