By Tony Adibe
The Enugu State Government said it has acquired 500 hectares of lands in Uhuezeoke, Okpanku in Aninri Local Government Area of the state to support the bioethanol value chain development in the state. The lands were donated by the community.
NewsBits recalls that the State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah had in June disclosed the government’s interest in partnering with the federal government to cultivate over 100,000 hectares of land to boost cassava production for export and create jobs for youths.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, while visiting the land for cassava cultivation in company of the chairman of the council area, Bennett Ajah, on Thursday, said it was divided into three phases.
Ubru, who was excited seeing how fast work had gone and the fertility of the land for cultivation of cassava and soya bean, expressed government’s readiness to build bioethanol plants in the state.
He commended the council leadership for their efforts in safeguarding the farm, while urging workers from the nearby villages to collaborate with government as the project would not only bring development to the area but also create massive employment opportunities for the people.
He commended Governor Mbah for the initiative, saying the ministry was collaborating with the federal government in making sure that the project was actualized.
The commissioner emphasised that the state government was determined to ensure by 2030 there would be zero hunger in the state, adding that they were already training farmers and giving them the latest varieties of seeds and other items to ensure they were carried along in the initiative.
He said that three local government areas, Uzo-Uwani, Nkanu East and Aninri had been selected for the pilot phase of the programme, adding: “Apart from employment generation, there will be massive economic activities going on here because the idea is not just to produce for ourselves but also to export and grow our economy, and we can’t do this without your collaboration.”
The commissioner also announced government’s plan to establish bioethanol plants in Affa and Egede in Udi Local area Area, saying the governor had given approval for the construction of the roads leading to the farms. However, in his speech, the chairman of Aninri Council Area, Bennett Ajah, expressed delight for the project, noting that it would develop the area and create massive employment for the people.
He assured the state government of his people’s readiness to cooperate with them, promising to avail more lands to the government for agricultural purpose, while protecting them from criminals and destructive animals. The team later proceeded to Angel Farms in Nenwe, a rice processing mill built by the Enugu State government to support the people of the community.
