Orumba South Wins FGN IFAD VCDP Agric Fair

By Ebele Ezeh

Orumba South Local Government Area has emerged winner of the biannual Commodity Promotion Show and Agricultural Fair organised by the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development, FGN IFAD VCDP, in Anambra State.

The competition, held at Amawbia Town Hall, focused on the rice and cassava value chains and brought together beneficiaries from nine participating local government areas who showcased a wide range of farm produce and processed products.

Ihiala Local Government Area took second position, while Aguata came third.

Inaugurating the fair, the State Programme Coordinator of FGN IFAD VCDP, Dr Deborah Onyefulu, said the event was designed to assess how beneficiaries had adopted new technologies and skills in packaging, branding, standardisation, measurement and improved agronomic practices.

Represented by the Acting State Business and Marketing Development Officer, Mrs Mary Obiekwe, Dr Onyefulu expressed satisfaction with the ingenuity and level of compliance demonstrated by the beneficiaries.

She encouraged farmers and processors to obtain certification from relevant regulatory agencies, noting that proper certification would improve product visibility, strengthen brand recognition and enhance opportunities for wider market acceptance.

Speaking separately, the FGN IFAD VCDP Team Leader for Orumba South, Pastor Tony Okeke, Chairman of the Commodity Alliance Forum in Ihiala, Mr Donatus Okoli, and Engineer Rita Ofojeama of Aguata expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to pursue stronger networking, business growth and sustainability.

They also called for more capacity building, business linkages and financial support to enable beneficiaries expand their agricultural enterprises.

The event featured exhibition of products, presentation of certificates and prizes, as well as a cake cutting ceremony.