The Anambra State government, through the federal government-International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/IFAD-VCDP), has distributed agricultural equipment to more than 500 farmers.

The state programme coordinator, Deborah Onyefulu, flagged off the initiative in Akwa, the state capital, on Monday.

Ms Onyefulu said the intervention was designed to promote the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities in agriculture.

The equipment distributed included 49 tricycles, 84 power tillers, 80 solar-powered water pumps, 200 knapsack sprayers and fertiliser applicators.

The programme also distributed 29 sets of cassava-processing equipment, 10 sets of rice-processing equipment and cooking demonstration equipment for 50 women.

Ms Onyefulu said the initiative was to increase rural farmers’ income, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

“The equipment support is part of the programme’s initiative to support women, youths and persons with disabilities,” she said.

She warned beneficiaries against selling the equipment, adding that a monitoring team has been established to ensure the items are used for their intended purposes.

Also speaking, Anthony Muobike, the member representing Aguata Constituency II in the Anambra assembly, urged beneficiaries to use the equipment judiciously.

Mr Muobike commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting the programme and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the state.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Chinwe Achugbu, commended VCDP for interventions that had improved farmers’ livelihoods.

Represented by a ministry official, Ify Onyenwe, Ms Achugbu also praised the programme and the state government for creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

Matthew Okafor, acting state agricultural production officer for value chain, said liaison officers selected beneficiaries across the nine participating local government areas.

Mr Okafor said beneficiaries had to contribute 30 per cent of the equipment cost, while the government covered the remaining 70 per cent.

He urged farmers to use the equipment appropriately, stressing that it should go to those who genuinely need it.

Mary Obiekwe, acting business and market development officer of VCDP in Anambra, said 50 selected farmers would each receive a tricycle to transport farm produce to markets.

Ms Obiekwe said the intervention would help reduce post-harvest losses caused by poor transportation and limited access to remote farming communities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries,  Onyebuchi Okoli of the Destiny Farmers’ Cooperative, Isuaniocha, Awka North, said the tricycle would improve the transportation of her farm produce.

(NAN)