Mr..Howard Usen
By ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo –
An agribusiness expert, Howard Usen has lauded the climate-smart initiative, describing it as a veritable platform that would ensure sustainable agriculture and boost food production in an all-year-round basis.
The climate-smart village initiative was one of the major outcomes of the 4th agribusiness international conference held in Uyo which drew participants from all parts of country, it also witnessed the groundbreaking of the Centre for Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture in Itu Local Government Area of the Akwa Ibom state
In an interview, Usen, who is the zonal coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-industry Development Initiative (NAADI), said the launch of the climate-smart initiative would transform agriculture in the state, describing it as the game changer in modern farming technique.
“In all ramifications, the conference was a success, because the key objectives of the conference, one being the inauguration of the climate smart village at Onna Local Government Area, and we able to inaugurate the groundbreaking of the Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) at Odiok Itam were also achieved which was done by a representative of the minister of industry, trade and investment.
In terms of participation, it was attended by people who came from Abuja, from Kaduna and other parts of the country. Goodwill messages from governors including that of Jigawa state, Umar Namadi, who stated that ‘the gathering of key stakeholders in agriculture and agribusiness reflected a shared vision for sustainable food systems, rural development and economic empowerment across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the governor, “It is indeed a platform that fosters innovation, collaboration and investment towards transforming the agricultural landscape of our nation,’’ adding that agriculture would continue to remain the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Usen also explained why Governor Umo Eno was singled for recognition because of the massive investment in agriculture as a token of appreciation to the governor for making agriculture a top priority in the state under the Arise Agenda,
“Because it was based on the governor’s consideration for agriculture that it was made the top priority of the state government, any other sector could have been made number one,’’he stated.
According to him, apart from making agriculture number one on the scale of preference, the state government announced the disbursement of grants to farmers and traders in the state making it possible for them to grow their businesses.
“The conference was also successful in the sense it was a golden opportunity for investors to explore the investment potentials of Akwa Ibom State.
“The climate-smart village is an innovation such that you could have your farm run 24/7, 365 days , you are not planting seasonally, you can plant all through and this supported by an organic input firm from the US, it helps to regenerate the soil and gives more than 40 percent plus in terms of harvest.
Apart from increasing yield, it will address the climate change issue as it affects agriculture in the sense that we have to keep abreast with what is happening in other parts of the world so we wont be left behind. It was done in conjunction with the Cross River Basin Authority, at Onna irrigation project,
He said the expected innovations in agribusiness were already being witnessed in the country adding that though it may be slow since agriculture takes time for it to be realized, when you plant a seed, you need to wait for the seed to germinate,you begin to water it, it begins to grow and then begins to bear fruits.
“However, in the next three to five years, Akwa Ibom state would become a hub in agribusiness activities due to the massive investments in agriculture while the innovation of CISA will transform agriculture in the state in the sense that we will begin to grade, package and begin to export our produce from here and it will be a centre for innovation, it will improve the value change development of major crops and commodities in Akwa Ibom State.”
