Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has charged residents to return to the farm and contribute their quota towards bringing down food prices in the country.

Mr Soludo, who spoke on Saturday in Awka while inaugurating the state New Yam Festival (Iriji), said the measure would enhance food security.

“Let us all go back to the farm in order to ensure food security for our state and Nigeria in general.

“ Let us return to utilise all the available lands around us during the farming season to produce more food,” he said.

He recalled that the state government had inaugurated “farm to feed” to promote agri-business.

The governor also directed members of his executive branch to return to farm yams and other food items, adding that he expects them to win the best prize in farming next year.

“I will also join in this competition next year in order to promote agriculture in the state. The new yam festival is the epic of all cultural and traditional festivals in the state.

“Today, Anambra State officially flags off the new yam festival, knowing full well that some communities in the state have celebrated the same.

“This one is unique because we have come together to celebrate our cultural heritage,” he said.

Mr Soludo decried the lateness of the people in attending state functions. He emphasised that the 2025 New Yam Festival must be timely to properly showcase the state rich culture and tradition.

The high point of the occasion was cash rewards to the producers of the weighed yams in one harvest.

(NAN)