Reps want Anambra, Enugu included in ongoing NAGS scheme

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to include Anambra and Enugu States in the ongoing National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) under ATASP scheme

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to revisit this omission with a view to including these two States in the project, even as it mandated it’s  Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to ensure compliance.

The House resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion by

Hon. Vincent Ofumelu (Anambra PDP) and three other lawmakers on the matter at plenary.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Ofumelu said: “the House Notes that the ongoing National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) under ATASP-1 being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development failed to capture Anambra and Enugu States.

“Also notes that the perceived oversight might not be deliberate in view of the pivotal role both States play in terms of agricultural production;

“Worried that if nothing is done in this regard, the tendency that these States will be left out is very high; Concerned that the non-inclusion of these States in the project would definitely affect the progress already

recorded in the past years;

“Also concerned that many farmers who are currently yearning and waiting for intervention would end up disappointed” he stressed.

Briefing newsmen on the matter, the Anambra State born lawmaker said that the imperative of including the two states in the agricultural programme of the federal government is key to the agricultural transformation of the nation