The Imo House of Assembly, on Tuesday, urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to collaborate with the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to prioritise agriculture for food security and economic growth.
The lawmakers urged Uzodinma to direct the state Ministries of Agriculture and Local Government Affairs to work in synergy toward achieving the programme.
The House made the call in a motion by Kennedy Ibeh, representing Obowo State Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Ibeh said that an increase in food production will lead to the availability of food, reduced cost of living, improved living standard and also enhance the state economy.
He said that the 27 LGAs are endowed with significant potentials for agricultural production but have remained largely unproductive over the years.
He further said that focusing on specific crop production in each LGA could create the needed comparative advantages and enhanced economic competitiveness among the councils.
The lawmaker also called on each LGA “to identify and focus on specific crop production, leveraging its comparative advantage”.
He further advised that the Ministries of Agriculture, Lands and Local Government should provide the necessary support and training to the councils for a successful implementation of the initiative.
Supporting the motion, Uche Agabige, representing Orsu State Constituency, said that providing enough food for the country had been challenging.
Agabige, therefore, called for the immediate conversion of arable lands in the state for agricultural production.
Also, Innocent Ikpamezie, representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, said the motion was timely, while canvassing for more investments in agriculture.
In a contribution, Bennet Ebonine, representing Njaba State Constituency, said that the security of farmers should also be prioritised.
Ebonine further advocated for the effective implementation of the initiative.
The Speaker, Chike Olemgbe, after listening to contributions to the motion, ruled in its favour.
Olemgbe also directed the Clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara to convey the resolutions to the governor and the relevant ministries.
NAN