Anambra lawmakers have called on Governor Charles Soludo to direct relevant state MDAs to establish agricultural innovation and development centres across the three senatorial zones of the state.

The lawmakers made the call during their plenary session on Thursday in Akwa.

They said the call became necessary to provide people in the state and its residents with a purposeful standard of living.

The call was raised in a motion moved by the deputy speaker, Chukwuma Okoye, representing Awka South 2.

Mr Okoye said that establishing the agricultural and development centres would curb youth restiveness. He said that agriculture remains the backbone of Anambra’s economy and a vital source of livelihood for the majority of its citizens.

The deputy speaker noted that if modern technologies such as precision farming, hydroponic and greenhouse cultivation, and drone applications are provided, hunger and starvation would be defeated.

He said that ICT-driven solutions are essential to improving yields and building resilience against climate change, thereby attracting younger generations to farming rather than white-collar jobs.

Mr Okoye added that such centres would salvage over 40 per cent of farm produce, such as rice, yams, vegetables, palm produce, and fruits, annually, as a result of adequate storage, processing, and packaging facilities.

The lawmaker added that establishing such centres in the zones would ensure regional inclusiveness, reduce unemployment and create new value chains.

“It will equally position Anambra as a hub for agricultural innovation in Nigeria,” he noted.

Jude Akpua, representing Njikoka 2 constituency, seconded the motion. He identified agriculture as the backbone of any economy, adding that the centres would prevent food crop waste.

Over 20 members of the parliament co-sponsored the motion.

Sometochukwu Udeze, the speaker, commended the lawmakers for the motion.

He urged the Anambra government to consider and ensure the establishment of the centres.

(NAN)