Abia State government and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, have formed a partnership to strengthen food security and boost nutrition in Abia and other South East states
The partnership, which was announced by Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze at Umudike, will also address the persistent shortage of tomatoes and pepper in the South East.
The shortage of the commodities at certain periods of every year usually results in South East markets relying on supplies from the Northern region of Nigeria and other African countries to fill the gap.
Speaking during the official visit to MOUAU’s Greenhouse Project and Agribusiness Incubation Centre, the Commissioner said the partnership will focus on building the capacities of farmers and youths in crop production, particularly in tomatoes and pepper.
He commended the University, led by Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe for its efforts in agriculture and for bridging the gaps among academics, research and farmers’ needs.
Also speaking, the University’s Greenhouse Project Supervisor, Professor Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, explained that the initiative was designed as a research and training hub under the university’s climate-smart agriculture programme.
According to her, the facility would boost food production and provide hands-on training for students, farmers, and extension workers, adding that greenhouses operate under an integrated system that combines organic and inorganic fertilisers with efficient irrigation techniques.
Abia govt, MOUAU move to tackle tomatoes, pepper shortage in South East
