The Enugu State government says it has taken proactive and tested measures to ensure the security and safety of farmers to boost food sufficiency in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Enugu.

The commissioner said the government collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to establish an Agro-Rangers Squad.

Mr Ubru said the squad, meant to complement other security outfits on ground, would work hard to protect farmers and farmlands in the state.

“This squad, with specialised training on agricultural protection and other technological gadgets, will checkmate all forms of insecurity complained about by our farmers, both commercial and small-holder farmers in the state.

“The squad are stationed in major farms in the state as well as special agro-processing centres and facilities,” he said.

The commissioner said the ministry was also discussing with the Miyetti Allah group how they could join in ensuring security for all.

He said, “They would help us identify those herders who are not their members and penetrate and instigate acts that cause misunderstanding among herders and farmers.”

Regarding the incessant farmers and herders clashes in the Isi-Uzo council area, the commissioner said the state government, in partnership with the federal government, had established a military base in Isi-Uzo.

Mr Ubru noted that the state government had invested heavily in agriculture as a business and had formed many agro-industrial partnerships with donor agencies.

He said the state government was poised to ensure that its agricultural transformation and revolution made the desired anticipated impact.

According to him, the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration has invested heavily in security, just as both covert and overt security measures have been taken.

“This is to ensure that the state meets its set targets in agriculture holistically, which also covers rural development/industrialisation, food sufficiency, food security and its attendant employment opportunities.

“Upscaling agriculture through massive investment and mechanisation is the cardinal push in the state government’s envisioned plan of moving the state from an economy of present $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next eight years,” he said. 

(NAN)