‘IFAD-VCDP injected over N10b into Ebonyi economy since 2014’

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) says it has injected over N10billion into the economy of Ebonyi state starting operations in the
state in 2014.

IFAD—VCDP State Programme Coordinator (SPC) Mr Sunday Ituma disclosed this in Abakaliki during the flag-off of input distribution exercise to benefitting farmers for 2019.

Ituma said the programme had benefited over 16, 000 farmers in the state within the period as evidences abound to buttress the claim.

“We have contributed over 70, 000 metric tonnes of rice paddy into the rice production system of the state, constructed over 42km of rural access-roads and over 60 culverts in benefiting Local Government Areas (LGA).

“We have also for the first time, intervened in land development with over 200 hectares developed at Ezillo and the accompanying results are there for all to see,” he said.

The SPC said for 2019, the IFAD-VCDP Country and National Offices have approved support to 1, 670 farmers in the state who will cultivate 1, 670 hectares of land.

“This will cost the programme over 130million as we will provide 50 per cent of the costs while the benefitting farmers though their
various cooperative societies, will contribute 50 per cent matching grant.

“The programme has also approved additional financing for its second phase after an excellent performance in its first phase of operation.

“It has also approved the extension of its activities to additional three LGA of the state which include: Ivo, Ezza North and Ohaoazara in addition to the five benefitting councils of Ishielu, Izzi, Ikwo, Ohaozara and Afikpo South,” he said.

He appreciated the state government for its support to the programme through the payment of counterpart funds and warned the farmers not to sell the inputs distributed to them.

The National Programme Coordinator (NPC) of IFAD—VCDP Dr Ameh Onoja, advised the farmers to judiciously utilise the inputs to enhance their agricultural capabilities.

Onoja represented by Mr Chyka Unamma, IFAD-VCDP National Agricultural
Production Adviser, said that the programme’s objective is to make benefitting farmers self-sustaining after the programme ceases to be
operational.

“The record of the state government in the payment of counterpart fund is clean in our office and we also commend benefitting farmers for their cooperation with the programme.

Permanent Secretary- Designate of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Rita Okoro, commended IFAD-VCDP for its numerous contributions to the enhancement of agricultural in the state.

“The state government will continue to collaborate with IFAD-VCDP as
it shares our ideal of making Ebonyi the highest food producing state
in the country,” she said.

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