An Ebonyi-based Agriculturist, Mr. Ezekiel Igboji, has emphasized the need to promote organic agriculture in the country to ensure healthy living.
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Igboji, the Founder and CEO of Monitris Global Projects made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Thursday.
The expert defined organic agriculture as a production system that sustained the health of soils, ecosystems, and people.
He said his organization was committed to ensuring good health for the citizenry through stepping down the organic agricultural system.
Igboji, also a member of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria, said that the idea was to bring more farmers, students, and researchers to practice an organic system of farming and promote good health in the society.
The CEO said that they also targeted unemployed youths, stakeholders in the agro-industry among other individuals.
“We will make agricultural activities modern; we will have clusters, football pitches, ICT complex for research to make farming activities suitable and attractive to youths.
“The youths always see farming activities as difficult because of the local ways they are used to,” he said.
He maintained that the organic system of farming would also yield economic profitability, promote good agriculture practice and build healthy soil among other gains.
Igboji said that a capacity building and multi-stakeholders sensitization workshop on organic agriculture principles and practices would be organized for individuals to update their skills for the system.
He frowned at the rate of hawking by indigenes of Ebonyi in various cities of the country and promised to introduce a modern farming system to attract the youths, make them employable and be productive.
Igboji noted that Monitris with various divisions was a Federal Government registered firm of agricultural entrepreneurs, licensed to engage in the practice of sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and food processing.
He also disclosed that the state own association known as Ebonyi-Go Organic Grassroots Famers Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (EGOGFMCS) had been inaugurated to promote the course.
Igboji however, called on governments for support and partnership in capacity building of stakeholders to upgrade their skills in the system of farming.
“We are into organic rice production, fruits and vegetables farming.
“We are already partnering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council on how we can brand our products for both domestic and export purposes,” Ogboji said.