Abia Launches 8,500-Hectare Wet Season Rice Farming Drive

Food security is more than a buzzword; it's survival. In a strategic push to boost local food production, the Abia State government has announced the launch of an ambitious wet season rice farming project covering 8,500 hectares of land across Abia North. This initiative, set to begin next week, targets only verified farmers, which is part of the administration’s efforts to eliminate fraud and ensure that only genuine cultivators benefit from government support.

Following a recent Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, revealed that 400 confirmed farmers in Ndiokereke Abam have already been identified as eligible beneficiaries. These farmers are cultivating 500 hectares, and an additional 150 hectares are being actively used for rice production in Owerrinta. The same model will be expanded to several other communities, including Bende, Mkpa, Ofeme, Ozuitem, Ndiokereke, and Ndioji Abam, as part of a broader strategy to scale rice production throughout the state.

To prevent misdirection of agricultural assistance to imposters, a common challenge in past interventions, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, disclosed that a farmer verification process is currently underway. A nationwide census is being conducted to gather accurate data, ensuring that only legitimate farmers with traceable land holdings can access support. He emphasized that farms must be geo-mapped and physically located with exact coordinates to qualify for any government assistance. This geo-verification step is designed to build transparency, reduce fraud, and create accountability within the sector.

In addition to the rice farming project, Abia State is also taking steps to revive previously underutilized agricultural plantations. Several government-owned farmlands that were reclaimed from past investors are now being made available to new, credible investors. Interested parties have until May 15 to apply, signaling a clear deadline for those who wish to partner with the state in reshaping its agricultural landscape.

By focusing on verified farmers, leveraging technology through geo-mapping, and reopening state-owned plantations to credible investors, Abia is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable food production in Nigeria. The administration’s approach reflects a commitment not just to agriculture, but to economic revitalization, job creation, and long-term food security. With the rainy season approaching, this bold move underscores the importance of strategic planning and transparent governance in addressing one of the country’s most pressing issues.

Abia’s wet season rice farming project is more than just an agricultural campaign, it’s a declaration of intent to build a resilient and self-sustaining future. As more states look to strengthen their local food systems, the question now is: who will follow Abia’s lead?

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