Ebonyi State to Make Agriculture Compulsory in Schools, Unveils New Tractors

News in Brief: Ebonyi state is revamping its agricultural sector by ensuring schools have mandatory agriculture programs to cultivate a new generation of farmers and an investment in 15 new tractors to boost mechanisation. Ebonyi state is taking a two-pronged approach to revitalise its agricultural sector. The state government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, is not only investing in modern machinery but also placing a strong emphasis on cultivating a future generation of farmers through compulsory school programs. The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, headed by Commissioner Princess Nkechinyere Ezeani, announced a groundbreaking initiative that will make agricultural programs mandatory in both primary and secondary schools across the state. This policy aims to revive the concept of school farming, where students gain hands-on experience in agricultural practices and potentially contribute to their schools' food production. Essentially, the government seeks to cultivate a culture of appreciation for farming and equip students with practical knowledge that could benefit them in future careers related to agriculture. Alongside this focus on agricultural education, the government is also investing in boosting farm productivity through mechanisation. The government recently procured 15 brand new tractors for the 2024 farming season. Commissioner Ezeani assured that the procured tractors and other agricultural resources, including 13,000 bags of fertiliser, will be distributed fairly to the right farmers in the state.