The Abia State government has announced plans to launch a wet season rice cultivation program next week, targeting the development of 8,500 hectares of land across various parts of Abia North. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to boost food production and ensure food security.

The program will focus on cultivating rice in several communities, including Ndiokereke Abam, Owerrinta, Bende, Mkpa, Ofeme, Ozuitem, and Ndioji Abam. According to the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the state has already verified 400 genuine farmers in Ndiokereke Abam, who are farming on 500 hectares of land. In addition, rice cultivation is underway on an additional 150 hectares at Owerrinta.

Governor Alex Otti presided over the executive council meeting where this initiative was discussed. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, addressed concerns regarding the possibility of non-farmers diverting agricultural support. He reassured the public that a statewide enumeration process is currently underway to collect data on legitimate farmers. Agbaeze emphasized that for farmers to qualify for government support, they must have their farms identified and geo-mapped with precise coordinates.

In a related development, the state government has also recovered farm plantations previously leased to investors and is now offering these plantations to new, credible investors. The deadline for interested investors to submit their applications is set for May 15.

This initiative is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the state's agricultural productivity and strengthening the local economy. By prioritizing genuine farmers and ensuring transparency in the allocation of resources, the Abia State government aims to foster sustainable agricultural growth and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the region.