NRCRI pledges technical support as Abia flags off inputs distribution for 17,000 farmers
The Executive Director/Chief Executive of the National Root Crops Research Institute, NRCRI, Umudike, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, has described the flag-off of the Abia State Farmers Input Support Programme as “a declaration that agriculture has once again taken its rightful place” in the development agenda of the state.
Prof. Egesi stated this on Friday, 10th July 2026, during the flag-off ceremony held at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
He noted that agriculture remains the foundation of the state and nation’s future, adding that the farmers who dedicate their lives to feeding Abia and Nigeria are building a stronger tomorrow.
“A NEW ABIA IS RISING”
The NRCRI boss commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for the remarkable transformation witnessed in infrastructure, governance, security and service delivery within a short period.
“Investors now look to Abia with renewed optimism because they see a government that keeps its promises and puts the welfare of citizens first,” he said.
“When leadership is purposeful, development follows. When government creates an enabling environment, businesses grow. And when farmers are empowered, the entire economy prospers.”
Prof. Egesi expressed optimism that Abia has the potential to become the agri-food capital of the South-East and Nigeria, as it was during the era of the late Dr. Michael Okpara.
He envisioned an Abia where farmers produce enough to feed the state and supply neighboring states, where cassava is processed into flour, starch and ethanol, and where yam, rice, maize and horticultural crops generate jobs for thousands of youths.
“That future is possible. And it begins with programmes like this,” he said.
ROLE OF ROOT AND TUBER CROPS
The NRCRI CEO emphasized the strategic importance of root and tuber crops — cassava, yam, cocoyam and sweetpotato — describing them as “income crops, industrial crops, nutrition crops and employment crops.”
He said NRCRI Umudike, for over a century, has remained Nigeria’s foremost institution for research and development on root and tuber crops, with a mandate to develop improved varieties, produce clean planting materials, train farmers, and strengthen value chains to ensure food security.
BEYOND INPUT DISTRIBUTION
Prof. Egesi stressed that inputs alone cannot transform agriculture. According to him, the right inputs, used with proper training and extension services, are what guarantee better harvests, higher incomes and stronger communities.
He commended the Abia State Government for introducing the Abia State Agricultural Dynamic Database System, ADDS, saying it would ensure that support gets to genuine farmers and reduce leakages.
He described the target of reaching at least 17,000 farmers as “ambitious and commendable” and urged beneficiaries to keep their data updated to access future opportunities.
The NRCRI boss also linked the programme to the proposed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, SAPZ, for Abia State, noting that increased productivity today would position farmers to supply processing industries tomorrow.
NRCRI’S COMMITMENT
“NRCRI stands ready as a dependable technical partner to the Abia State Government,” Prof. Egesi assured. “Our scientists, breeders, seed systems, extension specialists and training programmes remain available to support Abia’s agricultural transformation.”
He called for continuous training of farmers on Good Agricultural Practices to maximize the benefits of quality inputs.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Egesi congratulated the government and people of Abia State and prayed that the flag-off would mark the beginning of “bigger harvests, greater prosperity, increased food security, and renewed hope” for farming households in the state.
The event was hosted by the Abia State Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB.