The Enugu State Government has commenced the payment of agricultural insurance premiums on behalf of farmers across the state, in a move aimed at mitigating the impact of pests, crop diseases, and climate change on food production.
This was disclosed on Friday in Enugu by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, during the South-East Zonal Consultative Forum for the Review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030).
Speaking at the sidelines of the forum, Ubru emphasized the importance of insurance in light of the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and natural disruptions affecting farming.
“The vulnerability of the climate has significantly affected agriculture. The payment of insurance premiums is a step toward protecting farmers from these risks,” he said.
Although he did not reveal the total amount of premiums paid or the number of farmers who will benefit, the commissioner stressed that the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to building climate resilience in agriculture.
As part of broader agricultural reforms, Ubru also announced the establishment of a seed laboratory at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The facility is designed to test seed viability, fertility, and overall condition prior to planting, ensuring higher yields and more productive farming.
Additionally, a seed gallery has been created to make quality, affordable seeds and seedlings more accessible to farmers, tailored to suit the various soil types across Enugu State.
Highlighting ongoing state initiatives, Ubru spoke on Governor Peter Mbah’s Cocoa Initiative, which currently has 30,000 cocoa seedlings available.
The program aims to cultivate over 3,000 hectares of cocoa farmland as a starting point.
He further revealed that the state government is developing 260 farm estates, one in each of the state’s political wards.
Each estate will cover 200 hectares, with one hectare allocated per farmer, along with extension services to support cultivation.
“The governor will soon announce the commissioning date for these farm estates,” Ubru noted.
The commissioner reiterated that agriculture remains central to the current administration’s economic growth strategy.
“Governor Peter Mbah is committed to transforming agriculture in all its forms. His plan is to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through agriculture and agro-industrialisation,” he concluded.
