We’ll bridge the gap between demand and supply - Aks Agric Commissioner

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural resources Dr Mathew Nathan Ekaette, has stated that the state government is ready to ensure there is food sufficiency, thereby meeting with the ever increasing demands for agricultural products. He made the declaration during the flagging off this year’s Second Season Planting at the Seed Multiplication Farm, in Eket Local Government Area. Dr. Ekaette who expressed appreciation to the Governor for his commitment towards the development of agriculture in the state also said the Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency is a child of necessity, stressing that the committee has what it takes to reposition farming in the state. he called on the people of Akwa Ibom state to invest in farming, while pledging the continued support of the ministry, especially in the area of mechanisation and fertilizers.

The Commissioner who pointed out that the importance of farming cannot be overemphasized and encouraged farmers not to relent in their effort to ensure the state becomes the food basket of the region, also commended the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for making agriculture and food sufficiency, a key agenda in his administration.
While flagging off this year’s Second Season Planting at the Seed Multiplication Farm, in Eket Local Government Area, Governor Udom Emmanuel who acknowledged that the state is blessed with arable land and weather which favour all season cultivation,  stated that his administration is determined to redirect focus from oil to agriculture which had been the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.
“We want to change the face of farmers in the state. We are here in line with our vision  for poverty alleviation and job creation. Our dream is to turn the state to a food basket of this region. I believe this dream is achievable because of the good vegetation, climate and soil which the state is endowed with. As a first step towards realising this  purpose, I constituted a committee on  Agriculture and Food Sufficiency. This explain the reason for our gathering here today.” Governor Udom stated.
He assured that the days of peasant farming  was over as  he is poised to revive the agricultural sector and used the occasion to urged the people to rise to the challenge of exploiting the vast agricultural resources available in the state and grow more crops for consumption and export.
The State Chief Executive noted that the phenomenon of two or more  planting seasons within a year, is to ensure food sufficiency and sustainability and that in no distant time farmers in the state will smile to the bank with high yield as his administration has made available improved seedlings for cultivation through mechanised farming.
The Chairman Eket Local Government Council, Mr Francis Archibong, the Ntisong Ibibio Obong Essien Ekidem and President Eket Local Government Chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), Mr Dennis Ekong, in their solidarity speeches, expressed appreciation to the Governor for making agriculture a priority in his administration. They expressed optimism that the gesture will bring down the cost of food items in the state.