The Anambra State Government has acquired 55 hectares of land in various parts of the state for agricultural purposes as part of its efforts to increase food production.

A large chunk of the land was acquired at Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state for the cultivation of rice.

Addressing a delegation of the World Bank/Federal Government Joint Supervision Mission of FADAMA 111 projects yesterday in Omor, Ayamelum, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, told the delegation that 29 hectares of the land have already been surveyed and made ready for use this farming season commencing in March.

The delegation include officials from the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Finance, Accountant General’s Office, national and state offices of FADAMA, as well as some aides of Governor Willie Obiano.

According to the commissioner, the State Government has set up a land management committee for judicious use of the land resources. He urged the international collaborating agencies to support the efforts of the State Government.

Mr. Mbanefo explained that the State Government is prepared to pay its counterpart funds to ensure smooth execution of the projects under the various agricultural schemes.

Activities performed by the delegation include the inspection of the on-going multimillion naira Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise Centre at Omor, which is expected to service members of the FADAMA Federated Community Association in the area.

On his part, Team Leader and an official of the World Bank, Professor Obadiah Tohombet, said that the tractors for the hiring by the farmers would soon be brought to the state and urged the contractor handling the project to ensure its completion by next month.

He also urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustenance, saying that the ultimate aim is to improve rice yield in the country.

An official of FADAMA 111, Mr. Peter Ajibaye, reminded the farmers that the era of subsistent farming had gone, adding that the emphasis is on how to produce enough food to feed the teeming population and for export.

In his words, “You have been rice farmers for a long time and what we want from you is to do it better and for that reason, you must follow the instructions given to you by experts on how to improve your yield.”

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.