Anambra State Begins Implementation Of FADAMA Project

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Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has directed the full implementation of the FADAMA 3AM Project, with immediate payment of 112 million Naira counterpart fund for 2015 and 2016.

The project is in line with the World Bank objective of achieving self- sufficiency in food production all year round.

Governor Obiano gave the directive in Amawbia during a visit of the World Bank FADAMA team led by World Bank Senior Communication Specialist, Professor Obadiah Tohundhet.

The World Bank official was in the state to intimate Governor Obiano on the agricultural developmental initiatives in the FADAMA project in which Anambra State has been selected alongside five other states in the area of Rice production.

The Governor assured the World Bank representative that supporting initiatives in Agricultural sector was a major policy thrust in his four pillars of administrative development blueprint.

Also at the meeting were the members of the Anambra State Executive Council.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture explained the state of FADAMA activities at the inception of Obiano’s administration and said it was poorly implemented, but stressed that subsequent intervention by the state government had activated the project which culminated to the visit of the current FADAMA team to the state.

The leader of the World Bank Fadama Team introduced the current project which would target aggressive and massive production of four crops in six states which included Rice, Cassava, Maize and Sorghum.

He commended Anambra State for successfully completing FADAMA 3 Project, with a special appreciation to the Governor for his passion towards the development of agriculture to fight poverty and food insufficiency in the state.

Professor Tohundhet, however, noted that poor payment of counterpart funds by states would be the militating factor in the implementation and achievement of the full objectives of the project.

Responding to the presentation of Professor Tohundhet, Governor Obiano highlighted the activities of the state in rice production and concluded that the FADAMA project would be an added value in what the state was already doing.

The enthusiasm displayed by the present administration of Governor Obiano in agricultural development has not only attracted huge investments into the state but also given employment to youths but according to the governor, the ultimate aim is to ensure food sufficiency and bring to an end poverty amongst the people.