The Government of Japan, in partnership with the Spiritan Self Awareness Initiative (SSAI), has distributed modern agro equipment to cooperative farmers in Adani and Ogurugu communities of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The intervention, executed under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, promoting mechanised farming and reducing post-harvest losses across beneficiary communities in the state.
Items distributed included combined harvesters and power tillers designed to ease farm operations, expand cultivated land area and reduce the physical burden associated with manual farming.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Adani on Monday, Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Suzuki Hideo, said the project was targeted at increasing productivity and improving farming efficiency in Adani and Ogurugu.
According to him, the introduction of modern farming equipment would enable cooperative farmers to expand cultivation from one hectare to two hectares, thereby enhancing output, income generation and food security.
“We believe this project will help community members build secure and sustainable livelihoods by improving farming efficiency and boosting farmers’ income,” Hideo said.
The ambassador noted that the initiative aligns with Japan’s development cooperation policy, which focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains through both equipment provision and capacity building.
He added that Japanese farming technology, known for durability and efficiency, was deliberately selected for the project, while online training was also provided to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the equipment.
On his part, SSAI Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Erude, said the intervention would significantly enhance agricultural capacity and community resilience in the beneficiary areas.
Erude disclosed that SSAI currently runs humanitarian programmes including free school feeding, providing daily meals to over 1,000 schoolchildren and staff.
“This project marks a transition from subsistence farming to cooperative-based agricultural production, supported by strong Japanese partnership,” he said.
He assured that the equipment would be responsibly managed and maintained to ensure sustainability, job creation, improved food security and long-term community impact.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the traditional ruler of Adani, Igwe Anthony Ikwowa, expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for the intervention.
Ikwowa described Adani as the food basket of Enugu State and said the machines would greatly enhance agricultural output and livelihoods in the area.
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