Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for stronger support for smallholder farmers, stressing that they remain the backbone of food production but continue to face serious challenges such as limited access to finance, modern farming techniques, extension services, and reliable markets.

Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, made the remarks on Thursday while flagging off the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) agricultural program in Abia.

He assured farmers and development partners that his administration is fully committed to ensuring food security and sufficiency, noting that the initiative is designed to transform agriculture, boost rural economies, and improve the livelihoods of hardworking farmers.

Otti also revealed that Abia State has met its counterpart funding obligations, a move that will ensure farmers benefit from the program.

“I am confident that the AUDA-NEPAD initiative will bridge key gaps by equipping our farmers with new knowledge and technologies, improving productivity and food security, enhancing incomes, and reducing poverty in our communities,” he said.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, added that the program will uplift farmers by providing modern inputs, training, and support to reduce post-harvest losses.

According to him, the initiative is expected to reach 17,000 households across the 17 LGAs of the state, with the pilot phase already targeting 1,000 farmers.

With this step, Abia State aims to position smallholder farmers for greater success while securing the state’s future in agriculture.