In a bid to tackle food insecurity and rising food prices, the Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Obioma, has called on constituents to embrace subsistence farming as a means of ensuring household food sufficiency.
He made this appeal while addressing community members in Umuahia on Friday.
Hon. Obioma stressed that with the current economic challenges affecting food affordability, it was crucial for individuals and families to take an active role in food production.
He urged residents to make use of available land, no matter how small, to grow essential crops for personal consumption.
"We must take food security into our own hands by going back to the basics—cultivating our land, no matter how little, to produce the food we eat," Obioma stated.
"With the rising cost of foodstuffs in the market, subsistence farming is a viable solution to ensure that families do not go hungry."
He further noted that subsistence farming not only reduces dependency on external food sources but also contributes to better nutrition and economic stability. According to him, small-scale farming, including backyard gardens, can provide families with essential vegetables, grains, and tubers without the heavy financial burden of frequent market purchases.
"Gone are the days when agriculture was seen as a poor man’s job. Today, it is a necessity. If every household in Abia State grows what they eat, we will be taking a major step towards food security," he said.
Hon. Obioma also highlighted ongoing government efforts to support agricultural development in the state.
He pointed out initiatives such as access to improved seedlings, farming grants, and training programs aimed at equipping small-scale farmers with modern agricultural techniques.
"The government is committed to ensuring that those who are willing to farm receive the necessary support. We have introduced programs that provide access to fertilizers, improved seedlings, and training on best agricultural practices.
I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities," he added.
He concluded by calling on community leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations to promote subsistence farming as a key strategy for addressing food insecurity.
According to him, a collective effort toward agricultural self-sufficiency will not only ease the burden of food inflation but also create a culture of sustainable living in Abia State.
"Food security is the foundation of a strong and healthy society. Let us all do our part by growing our own food and securing our future," Obioma emphasized.
His remarks come at a time when many Nigerian households are struggling with rising food prices, exacerbated by inflation and supply chain disruptions.
Experts have suggested that small-scale farming initiatives, such as those being encouraged in Abia State, could play a critical role in strengthening local food production and ensuring long-term food security.
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