Enugu State began the verification of farmers for dry season cultivation of rice and maize in September, preparatory to the distribution of seedlings to the farmers.

Director of Enugu State agricultural development programme, Dr Ogbonna Onyeishi, told journalists in Enugu on Sunday that the farmers were those in clusters in riverine parts of the state.

“We are starting the dry season farming this year in Adani, Aninri and Nkanu East Local Government Areas, where we have rivers for irrigation farming.

“The farmer’s verification is to identify those that have the potential and they must be in clusters and close to rivers,’’ he said.

Mr Onyeishi said the effort aimed at guaranteeing food security and pushing down prices of food items as well as ensuring year-round cultivation of rice and maize.

“The seedlings being given to farmers are to support dry season farming activities and to increase crop production and thereby improve food security,’’ he said.

(NAN)