Anambra to boost food production with young farmers forum

By Chinyere Anyanwu      

The Anambra State government, in a bid to boost the state’s food production capacity, has inaugurated the Anambra Community Young Farmers Forum, ACYFF.

Inaugurating the group at the weekend at Government House in Awka, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, stated that the Youth Wing of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), under the leadership of Ken Okoli, facilitated the establishment of the group to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for food production.

While inaugurating the group, Ihejiofor commended ASATU Youth for its proactive efforts in creating such a platform and pledged the government’s support to ensure the growth of its members in agribusiness.

Speaking at the event, Okoli emphasised that the group was established as a hub for young farmers in Anambra State to leverage in order to enhance their farming activities. He noted that the initiative would help tackle rising food scarcity, increase agricultural output and explore export opportunities. He reaffirmed ASATU Youth’s commitment to supporting policies that drive economic growth through sustainable farming.

“The platform will form a cooperative for members and collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture. Membership is drawn from one person in each community as a coordinator, with each community having a platform for young farmers,” Okoli said.

The inauguration comes as Anambra State intensifies efforts to boost agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency. Stakeholders believe that empowering young farmers through ACYFF will play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

The event also featured the inauguration of 12 newly elected community youth leaders, who are now active members of the association.