FMAFS Boosts Agricultural Innovation at UNIZIK with Donation of Knapsack Sprayers

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) yesterday donated 30 brand new knapsack Sprayers to the Centre for Agripreneur and Cooperative Research/Practice (CACORP), of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. 

The donation of farm inputs, according to the State Coordinator of FMAFS, Anambra State, High Chief Arthur Mbuba, is part of the recent partnership between CACORP and FMAFS aimed at promoting agricultural research and development in Nigeria, using UNIZIK as one of the focal institutions.

High Chief Mbuba further disclosed that the initiative was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) administration geared towards using agricultural transformation to ensure food sufficiency for the nation.

The Pioneer Director of CACORP, Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji, who recieved the items, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and FMAFS for the donation. 

She promised to ensure that the farm enhancement equipment were well utilized to promote agricultural practices in the CACORP's demonstration farms. 

She also seized the opportunity to appreciate the supportive role played by the Vice Chancellor of the institution and the Board Chairman, Prof Bond Stanley Ugochukwu Anyaehie, towards sealing the partnership that attracted the farm inputs. 

Dr. Okoroji further explained that the newly acquired knapsack sprayers would significantly enhance the center's demonstration farms' productivity, enabling year-round farming activities and improved crop management.

According to her, the new equipment will enable CACORP to Increase farm productivity and income, enhance student training and practical experience and support community outreach and extension services, among others. 

She further explained that the center's partnership with the FMAFS aligns with its mission to empower agricultural innovators and community figures. 

She noted that CACORP, as a pioneering center in the institution is focused on empowering future agricultural innovators and local farmers in Nigeria, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical agricultural development.

Dr Okorji stated that with these kind of inputs and other material and financial supports, the centre will definitely take the leading position among others and enhance its contribution to agricultural development in Nigeria    

    People Present included State Coordinator of FMAFS, High Chief Arthur Mbuba, Programme Manager, ADP , Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture,Mr. Godwin Akujieze, Engr. Ekwolo Samuel, operations officer FMAFS Anambra State, Media Team Lead by Mr. Obeche Sunday DSS, Farmers group, some students and other security Personnel.