The Anambra State government has earmarked N200 million for the procurement and distribution of endangered Igbo traditional fruit tree seedlings in the 2026 fiscal year.
The commissioner for agriculture, Foster Ifejiofor, disclosed this during a briefing to journalists after a bilateral meeting with the Finance and Appropriation Committee of the Anambra State House of Assembly on the 2026 budget proposal.
Mr Ifejiofor said the programme would include the procurement of 60,000 Ukwa (African breadfruit) seedlings at the cost of N1,500 per seedling, amounting to N90 million.
He added that 40,000 Udala (African star apple) seedlings and 20,000 bitter kola seedlings would be procured at a combined cost of N84 million.
The commissioner further stated that the state would procure 10,000 raffia seedlings and 16,000 Ogbono seedlings at the cost of N26 million.
“The seedlings will be distributed across the 21 local government areas of the state to boost household incomes and promote environmental sustainability.
“The Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration recognises the importance of agriculture and has continued to create opportunities for youths to participate actively in the sector.
“The state government will also embark on a palm revolution as a major strategy to transform the economy. No fewer than 100,000 households will receive oil palm and other economic tree seedlings during the implementation of the 2026 fiscal year,” he said.
The commissioner added that agricultural development in the state had been strengthened by supportive programmes.
“Programmes such as road infrastructure projects opened up rural communities for increased farming activities,” he said.
(NAN)