A’Ibom gov agric revolution delights residents

By Chioma Onuegbu

CITIZENS of Akwa Ibom State have given kudos to the current administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel for encouraging private sector investment in large- scale farming, which they said has boosted food supply and reduced high cost of food items in the state.

Some of them, who witnessed harvesting of tomato at the 2.3 hectares Trugas Tomato Farm, located at Mbiabong Etoi village, Uyo Local Government Area, said they were surprised to discover that tomato farms actually existed for they thought it was a case of government propaganda.

SEEING is believing – Umoh

Mr. Samuel Umoh, an indigene of Ukanafun local government, told NDV: “When I read in the newspapers that something like this was going on in the state, I felt it was government propaganda, but as the saying goes, ‘seeing is believing’ I am very happy with what I am seeing here today, it is worth it. The initiative should be encouraged more because it will create massive jobs and food security in the state.

“And one good thing about this is that it is private sector driven. What it means is that this initiative will be sustained. If it is a government thing, it will not work because government is a bad manager of business. I pray to see something like this in other sectors. It is a wonderful development.”

I’m overwhelmed – Miss John

A resident of Uyo and unemployed graduate of Business Administration, Miss Etima John, said she had no idea that the state was already so much in the area of agriculture, adding that she was only aware of the pencil and toothpick-cottage industry.

“In fact, I heard about the tomato farm and decided to come and see for myself.  I am impressed and want to suggest that more of what I am seeing here should be replicated so that more jobs will be created for idle youths. Let government encourage more investors in the agricultural sector because from what I am seeing, it is working.  And I have even observed that these days, tomato is available and affordable in the markets unlike before where if you go to market late, you will not see to buy. I am very, very excited about this,” she said.

Buyers trooping from Bayelsa, Rivers- Farm Manager

Trugas Tomato Farm Manager, Mr. Umyime disclosed that the tomatoes farming initiative was doing well and market women were waiting for supplies, while buyers have started coming from neighbouring Rivers, Bayelsa states because of the species. “We started this farm in 2016 and this is the third time we are harvesting. As the manager, I want to say that this initiative is a very big success. Today is a bumper harvest. Our target is to harvest over 200 baskets of 30kg each. And we harvest every two days.

“Everybody is looking for our tomato, the market women are always looking for it, the hotels and in fact, our biggest patronage comes from the mallams. They buy from us and then sell in our markets. Sometimes, we do not even have enough to meet the demand in the state. It is a wonderful initiative and I am doing my best as the manager to see it sustained,” he said.

We‘ll soon be supplying the entire Nigeria paste- Ebong

Speaking to NDV, the senior special assistant to the governor on Technical Matters and Due Process and Coordinator, Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme, AKEES, Mr. Ufot Ebong, noted that government has plans to increase the number of vegetable farms across the state, especially tomato due to the increasing demand, which he attributed to the quality of species.

Ebong was quick to add that already some foreign investors from places like Cameroun have indicated interest to establish their farms in the state after having seen that the initiative was working and  sustainable. “Our tomato species are the highest grades imported from France. They are the species used in making paste which is not grown in the north. That is why you see Nigeria has been busy importing paste. And I can assure you soon Akwa Ibom will be supplying the entire Nigeria paste. There will be no need for us to import paste anymore.

Tomato farms in 10 LGAS

“So far we have the tomato farms in 10 local government areas. We have bigger farms like in Obot Akara, we have 17 hectare, 8.5hectares in Oruk Anam. 8.6 hectares in Essien Udim. We have in Okobo, Esit Eket, Eket and so on. Apart from tomato, we also have other common vegetable farms, about 22 of them such as onions, carrots, lettuce, green and red beans, Irish potatoes, cabbage, pepper and so on,” he said.

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