Revolution: Soludo urges NYSC members to embrace farming

In a call to action for future leaders, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has urged all members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state to support his administration’s agricultural revolution policies.

The governor’s appeal was made during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2024 Batch B Stream II orientation programme at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp.

Addressing 1,658 corps members, the governor emphasized his agricultural revolution policy during their Oath of allegiance administered by Hon. Justice N.L. Oyeka.

He highlighted that the policy aims to combat food shortages and mitigate the rising cost of agricultural products.

Governor Soludo, represented by Hon. Ernest Ezeajughi, emphasized collective action in agriculture to address food scarcity and boost local production.

The ceremony was also attended by Hon. Patrick Aghamba, Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, who was represented by Chief Engr. Martin Agbili.

He encouraged the corps members to learn the Igbo language to better integrate into their service year and navigate their duties effectively.

NYSC Anambra State Coordinator Mrs. Blessing Ekene Iruma emphasized skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as key aspects of the service year.

The event, which featured a martial arts display, was attended by notable dignitaries, including Commissioner of Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma Udeh.

Gov. Soludo’s agricultural revolution policy

Governor Soludo’s agricultural revolution in Anambra aims to tackle food security challenges and drive economic growth through agriculture.

The policy’s specific goals include increasing local food production to reduce reliance on imported agricultural products and combat the escalating costs of food.

The “Farm to Feed” campaign mobilizes youth and women to engage in aggressive farming practices under this policy.

This initiative is designed to boost both food and cash crop production, thereby addressing hunger and food scarcity within the state.

Governor Soludo has emphasized the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of economic prosperity.

His administration has launched the annual distribution of one million palm and coconut seedlings, with a target of ten million seedlings by the end of his tenure.

This is part of a broader effort to transform palm oil into a major economic driver for the state, akin to how crude oil has historically fueled Nigeria’s economy.

The initiative includes the distribution of economic trees like ukwa (breadfruit), bitter kola, and paw-paw.

These trees are intended to foster a sustainable environment and provide economic benefits to the local population.

Challenges of the policy

Anambra State faces major food security challenges due to food shortages and rising agricultural product costs.

One of the primary challenges is the growing demand for staple foods such as rice, yam, and cassava, which are central to the state’s food security.

Despite Anambra’s initiatives like Anambra Yam Development Programme and rice projects, food scarcity pressures persist.

For example, although the state produces over 300,000 metric tonnes of rice annually, this remains insufficient to meet local demand.

Consequently, there is continued dependence on imports, which contributes to higher prices.

Furthermore, the cost of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds has risen, partly due to inflation and supply chain disruptions.

This has made it challenging for smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority in Anambra, to increase production.

The economic impact of these rising costs is evident in the higher prices of food products in the markets, which strain household budgets, particularly in urban areas.

Additionally, the state faces environmental challenges, such as erosion and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which have negatively impacted agricultural productivity.

These challenges are exacerbated by the limited adoption of modern farming techniques and inadequate infrastructure for food storage and processing​.

NYSC’s impact on the policy

NYSC members’ involvement in Anambra State’s agricultural policy is crucial for the success of Soludo’s agricultural revolution initiative.

Here’s how NYSC members can significantly contribute to this vision:

Influence on local communities:

NYSC members in rural areas can directly impact local communities through their participation in agricultural activities.

Engaging in farming and agricultural projects can introduce local populations to innovative practices and technologies they might not know.

Their involvement can help shift community attitudes towards modern agricultural methods, improving efficiency and yield.

For example, the state’s initiatives, like distributing high-yielding cassava stems and maize seeds, offer NYSC members participation opportunities.

Skills transfer and entrepreneurship:

NYSC members bring diverse set of skills from their academic backgrounds, which they can apply to enhance agricultural practices.

Those with knowledge in agricultural sciences, business management, or technology can help local farmers optimize their production processes.

They can also assist in managing resources more effectively or venturing into agro-processing and value addition.

This supports Soludo’s youth empowerment programs, which aim to equip young people with skills for economic self-sufficiency.

Economic and social impact:

The economic impact of engaging NYSC members in agriculture is significant.

By boosting local production, they help stabilize food prices, making agricultural products more affordable.

This is crucial for Anambra, where food inflation is worsened by insecurity and inadequate farm inputs.

Their efforts can reduce reliance on imported food, keeping money in the local economy and promoting sustainable development.

Long-term benefits:

NYSC members’ active participation in agriculture during service can inspire them to pursue agribusiness as a post-service career.

This contributes to reducing youth unemployment.

It ensures a steady influx of young, educated individuals into agriculture, driving innovation and long-term sector growth.

Their influence on local communities, combined with their skills and youthful energy, can help transform agriculture into a vibrant sector.

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