The South East Development Commission, SEDC, has begun developing a 200-hectare integrated model farm at Nomeh Unataeze in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. This project is a collaboration with the Enugu State Government to enhance food production, generate employment, develop agricultural skills, and strengthen agro-value chains across the South East region.
The project's launch was attended by several high-profile individuals, including Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Mbah. Other notable attendees were Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, SEDC Chairman, Emeka Wogu, and SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye. Deputy Governor Ossai highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state government and SEDC in promoting food production and economic diversification.
The integrated model farm will feature various agricultural activities, including dairy, poultry, fisheries, fodder production, greenhouse farming, processing, mechanisation, renewable energy, and agricultural training. SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye, stated that the programme aims to build the region's productive capacity by linking land, technology, mechanisation, production, processing, training, and markets. The project is expected to have a broader impact through training and an out-grower programme for smallholder farmers.
The training centre at the farm will have a capacity for 100 to 120 trainees at a time. The out-grower programme is set to initially involve around 300 households within a 10-kilometre radius of the farm. The farm will accommodate a 200-head dairy herd, up to 20,000 poultry birds per cycle, fisheries infrastructure, and fodder and silage production. These initiatives are designed to enhance agricultural productivity and provide employment opportunities.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, noted that the project aligns with the Federal Government's efforts to increase food production, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen processing and market linkages. SEDC Chairman, Emeka Wogu, emphasised the Commission's commitment to working with state governments, communities, the private sector, and development partners to deliver sustainable economic opportunities across the region.
The Nomeh project is seen as a pilot for wider agricultural and agro-mechanisation interventions across the five South East states. The host community, Nomeh Unataeze, has pledged its support for the project's success. President General of Nomeh Unataeze, Chukwudi Anyianuka, expressed the community's commitment to collaborating with SEDC. The project is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs when fully operational, in addition to opportunities within the wider agricultural value chain.
The SEDC's initiative is a significant step towards achieving food security and economic growth in the South East region. By integrating various agricultural activities and providing training and employment opportunities, the project is poised to have a positive impact on the local community and the region as a whole. The collaboration between SEDC and the Enugu State Government sets a precedent for future partnerships in promoting agricultural development and economic diversification.
Key points
- The project aims to boost food production and create over 1,000 direct jobs.
- The integrated model farm will feature dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other agricultural activities.
- The project is a collaboration between SEDC and the Enugu State Government to promote food production and economic diversification.
