The South East Development Commission (SEDC) is set to commence an agro-mechanization programme with the development of pilot farms across the region as part of efforts to address food insecurity, create jobs and stimulate economic activity.
The first of 15 projects planned across the region’s senatorial zones will be launched in Enugu State next week, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SEDC, Mark Okoye, has disclosed.
Okoye made this known during a site inspection and community engagement at Nomeh Unateze in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
He said the commission had identified agriculture as a key sector through which some of the South East’s major economic and social challenges could be addressed.
According to him, agro-mechanization is a key component of the economic development blueprint developed by the commission following its first year of operation, during which it conducted studies to identify development priorities across the region.
He said the agricultural initiative was designed to increase food production, create employment opportunities and help address conditions contributing to insecurity in the region.
Okoye disclosed that the programme would involve the development of up to 50,000 hectares of farmland for mechanized agriculture across the South East, with the initial phase focusing on pilot farms in the region’s 15 senatorial zones.
The pilot farms, he said, would occupy between 200 and 300 hectares in each senatorial zone and operate as standard commercial farms producing both staple and cash crops.
He said crops to be cultivated would include cassava and maize, alongside other crops suited to the different locations, while some sites would also feature learning and productivity centres.
Okoye explained that the community engagement at Nomeh Unateze was aimed at assessing the proposed site, consulting residents and identifying requirements that must be addressed before contractors commence work.
He said the Enugu project would be formally launched next week following discussions and an agreement with the state governor, Peter Mbah.
Beyond agricultural production, Okoye said the project could attract between N4 billion and N5 billion in additional investment to the area, with increased economic activities expected to develop around the farm.
He also disclosed that SEDC was preparing to establish an investment agency to attract capital from residents of the region and members of the South East diaspora for development projects.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the commission, describing SEDC as an institutional framework for mobilizing resources and coordinating development initiatives across the region.
He urged residents of the South East to remain committed to development efforts and support programmes initiated under the current administration beyond 2027.
Speaking on the expected benefits of the project, the media aide to the Enugu State Governor and community leader, Uche Anichukwu, said the initiative would create new opportunities for agricultural and economic development in Nomeh Unateze.
Anichukwu highlighted the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, including the spur to Oduma, as an important route that would improve access between the agricultural area and markets.
The Chairman of the Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, said the community was prepared to support the project and provide the cooperation required for its implementation.
Anyianuka commended SEDC for what he described as a structured approach to development, noting that the commission had conducted studies and developed a master plan before committing resources to projects.
He expressed optimism that the agro-mechanization initiative would contribute to the economic transformation of the South East.
The engagement was attended by members of the traditional council, community leaders and other stakeholders from Nomeh Unateze.
