By Praise Chinecherem
Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo has distributed starter packs to 12 youths who have completed training in equipment fabrication under the Value Chain Development Programme.
Additionally, she flagged off the distribution of agricultural processing equipment, machinery, and open-body tricycles aimed at supporting the productivity of rice and cassava farmers, especially women’s farming cooperatives.
The initiative is part of the State’s Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), a decade-old scheme focused on supporting rice and cassava farmers.
VCDP has been instrumental in enhancing food production, modernizing agricultural processes, and creating market opportunities.
Soludo emphasized the program’s achievements in fostering improved processing facilities, noting that such investments benefit vulnerable groups and bolster Anambra’s agricultural landscape.
In line with Governor Charles Soludo’s “1 Youth, 2 Skills” agenda, this year’s cohort marks an ongoing effort to combat youth unemployment through skill development.
Mrs. Soludo announced plans to train 20 more youths in 2025, reinforcing the government’s commitment to job creation.
The newly distributed tricycles, she highlighted, will support farmers in transporting their goods to market efficiently, thereby reducing production costs and expanding market reach.
Mrs. Soludo urged recipients to utilize the resources responsibly to elevate their livelihoods, stressing that these tools are meant to benefit communities rather than being sold.
The distribution underscored the administration’s dedication to advancing Anambra’s agricultural sector and strengthening local economies through strategic empowerment initiatives.
She officially declared the distribution open, expressing optimism for the program’s continued success and impact on the lives of Anambra’s farmers and youth.
Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor described the event as a manifestation of the shared mission to drive Mechanisation, enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of small holder farmers.
While urging the beneficiaries to take pride in what they have achieved,he emphasized the need for even more accomplishments.
“Your role is pivotal in building an Anambra where agriculture is not only a means of livelihood but also a vehicle for economic transformation,” he said.
Earlier, Acting State Programme Coordinator, Anambra State Value Chain Development Programme,Dr Mrs Debby Onyefulu, said the programme in collaboration with federal government and IFAD had been instrumental in transforming rice and cassava farming across the state.
“With this support,we are enhancing our Farmers capacity for improved production and access to markets.
“The distribution of processing equipment to women’s groups, tricycles for the Commodity Agricultural Forum Members and training in nutrition sensitive agriculture,all reflect our holistic approach to agricultural sector and economic development”
