Abia Targets Commercial Agriculture as Otti Unveils Support for 18,634 Farmers

The Abia State Government has launched a major agricultural empowerment programme designed to support 18,634 farmers across the state’s 17 local government areas, as Governor Alex Otti intensifies efforts to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth, food security, and job creation.

The initiative, unveiled in Umuahia under the theme “Improved Inputs, Increased Yields, Sustainable Prosperity for Farmers,” will provide farmers with improved agricultural inputs, technical training, extension services, and modern farming knowledge aimed at increasing productivity and encouraging commercial farming.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Otti said agriculture remains one of the strongest pillars of any sustainable economy, stressing that his administration is committed to moving beyond subsistence farming by building a commercially competitive agricultural sector.

According to the governor, the state’s agricultural policy is focused on creating a solid foundation for large-scale farming capable of boosting food production, generating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, and strengthening rural livelihoods.

“While we are not disinterested in subsistence farming, we are promoting commercial agriculture aggressively because we believe that is the path to sustainable economic growth,” Otti said.

He commended farmers across Abia for their resilience and continued contributions to food production despite economic challenges, describing them as critical partners in the state’s development agenda.

Governor Otti also revealed that Abia’s improving investment climate has continued to attract major agricultural investors. He disclosed that a multinational palm oil company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government for an investment valued at up to $200 million.

The governor expressed confidence that the investment would significantly expand agricultural production, create thousands of jobs, stimulate agro-industrial development, and strengthen food security not only in Abia but across Nigeria and Africa.

“Agriculture is a viable business, and with investments of this scale, we can guarantee food security beyond our state and position Abia as a major agricultural hub,” he added.

Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, described the programme as a significant milestone in Abia’s agricultural transformation.

He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting the state through research, technology transfer, improved crop varieties, mechanisation, and capacity-building programmes designed to increase agricultural productivity.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, praised the state government’s investments in agriculture, innovation, and youth empowerment.

She pledged the university’s support in advancing climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, agricultural research, and technology transfer to farmers.

Earlier, Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, disclosed that the programme exceeded its original target of 17,000 beneficiaries, with 18,634 farmers eventually enrolled across all 17 local government areas.

He explained that beneficiaries will receive improved seedlings, farm inputs, practical training, and extension services to help them transition from subsistence farming to profitable commercial agriculture.

The initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to increase food production, improve farmers’ incomes, attract agribusiness investments, and strengthen Abia’s contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural economy.