The Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), said it invested N666 million in communities across Anambra State to enhance local agricultural production and processing.
Dr Deborah Onyefulu, State Programme Coordinator, IFAD VCDP, made the disclosure during a media tour of Aguata, Orumba North and South Local Government Areas.
The tour was organised by the Anambra State Coordination Office of the FG/IFAD VCDP.
Onyefulu, represented by the Knowledge, Management and Communication Officer, Mr Henry Anagboso, said the programme invested N316 million to provide market infrastructure and processing facilities in Aguata Local Government Area, following its recent profiling.
She said the programme has also executed and is currently implementing rice and cassava processing projects worth over N350 million.
According to her, the projects are located across Ogboji, Nawfija, Ndiokpalaeze, Omogho and Ufuma communities in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas.
“We want to assure you that all processing centres will be fully equipped with modern facilities upon completion.
“However, we urge the beneficiaries to take ownership of the projects and ensure their proper maintenance for long-term sustainability,” she said.
The President-General of Aguluezechukwu Improvement Union, Mr Johnpaul Ezenwaka, commended the FG/IFAD VCDP for transforming the Nkwo Market in Aguata Local Government Area into a modern facility.
Similarly, the Chairman of Bounty Harvest Cooperative Society, Mr Chibike Ezeokonkwo, pledged to ensure the security of all facilities within the market.
At Umueze Isuofia community also in Aguata, the team inspected a cassava processing centre, solar dryer and crèche facility for the Adabugo Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
The cassava processing site for Emeka Nawfija Cooperative Society at Ohukabia Nawfija in Orumba South LGA, was also visited.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Chinyere Udogu thanked the government for providing the facilities free of charge, aside their 10 per cent counterpart contribution, which came in the form of donated land and direct labour.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Ada Nwokeabia described the intervention as life-changing and a major boost to local agricultural production and processing.
