Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has launched a new round of free fertilizer and agro‑input distribution, targeting more than 60,000 farmers across the state. The initiative forms part of his broader agenda to boost food security, eradicate poverty and promote rural prosperity. At the launch event, which drew thousands of farmers and stakeholders, Governor Mbah noted that his administration had already distributed 12,000 bags of fertilizer and other inputs last year, leading to bumper harvests and lower food prices.
This year, the state plans to distribute over 40,000 bags of free fertilizer and other agro‑inputs directly to registered farmers. The governor also unveiled ambitious plans to establish 200‑hectare farm estates in each of the 260 political wards, complete with irrigation systems, warehouses and power supply. In addition, 102 tractors have been delivered, 98 more are on the way, and 800 will be assembled at a tractor plant that is nearing completion in the state capital. These additions raise the total number of functional tractors in Enugu to more than 200, a dramatic increase from fewer than five just two years ago.
The Enugu State Government is also upgrading the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, into a University of Agriculture to train the next generation of agricultural scientists and entrepreneurs. Parallel to this, Agro‑Industrial Processing Zones and Agricultural Transformation Centres are being established across the three senatorial zones. Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro‑Industrialisation Patrick Uburu praised Governor Mbah for inspiring an agricultural revolution, highlighting the revitalisation of long‑abandoned assets such as the Enugu United Palm Products and the Adarice Irrigation Scheme. The governor’s approval of crop‑insurance premiums to protect farmers against climate shocks and pests was also commended.
Romanus Eze, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (Enugu chapter), lauded the governor for fulfilling promises to farmers, noting that the tractor assembly plant and the new seed laboratory are turning agriculture into a viable business. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, said the distribution of inputs in every ward reflects the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic distribution of fertilizers to farmer cooperatives from the 17 local government areas, marking a significant step toward food security and sustainable rural development in Enugu State.
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