ISUIKWUATO AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION (ISAREP): ICF Signs MOU With NRCRI

The Isuikwuato Consultative Forum (ICF), has formally signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike (NRCRI), triggering the Isuikwuato Agricultural Revolution Programme (ISAREP).

The MOU which was signed at the Research Institute headquarters at Umudike in Ikwuano Local Government of Abia State on Friday 2nd February 2024, activated the relationship and partnership towards the achievement of agricultural revolution in Isuikwuato.

ICF which was represented by the President General Isuikwuato Development Union (IDU) Chief Osondu Onyedimara, Sir Emerson Nwakanma and Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam signed the dotted lines, while the Director of Administration of NRCRI Dr. Maryrose Mbanaso and Dr. Moses Chukwuwike Okusi signed for the Research Institute.

[caption id="attachment_175205" align="alignnone" width="1600"] ISUIKWUATO AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION (ISAREP): ICF Signs MOU With NRCRI[/caption]

While speaking with Dr. Moses Chukwuwike on what the people of Isuikwuato should be expecting as outcome from the MOU signing, Dr. Moses urged the people to be expecting a lot as outcome.

https://youtu.be/mGb1wbohQq0

He revealed that the idea behind the move is to elevate Isuikwuato farmers from subsistence farming to commercial farming. He went further to explain that the Research Institute will provide high yielding grains and roots, train the people, monitor the progress of the project and also equip the people with the knowledge that will enable them transform their farm produce to different products.

In his own contribution the IDU President General Chief Osondu Onyedimara, explained that Isuikwuato Agricultural Revolution Programme (ISAREP) is championed by the ICF in partnership with IDU with the sole aim of turning Agriculture into business in Isuikwuato.

[caption id="attachment_175200" align="alignnone" width="1600"] L-R: Dr. Moses Chukwuwike Okusi, Sir Emerson Nwakanma , Dr. Maryrose Mbanaso , President General Isuikwuato Development Union (IDU) Chief Osondu Onyedimara, Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam and Emenike Jason Iroegbu[/caption]

"We want to change the narrative, we want to change how people see farming, farming is not for the poor, farming is for everyone no matter how rich or educated you are one".

"It is through farming that we can empower our people. When we have more people into farming, it means we have taken care of food security and when you take care of food security , you have equally taken care of most of the violent crimes we see around".

He went further to warn that ICF and IDU is expecting commitment from everyone that will be participating in this project.

https://youtu.be/xp1HWKmQ4pI

"The commitment we are expecting is not to bring money, the people that gave money did it voluntarily. But, anyone benefiting from this, your commitment must be that you will see through this venture till the harvest time. Not collecting the seedlings or roots and keeping it somewhere, you must follow the procedure through that is what is required" he posited.

Chief Onyedimara further revealed that the people will be getting cassava stems, palms, Ogbono, coconut, citrus and so many other seedlings.

[caption id="attachment_175209" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Director of Administration of NRCRI Dr. Maryrose Mbanaso[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_175206" align="alignnone" width="1600"] President General Isuikwuato Development Union (IDU) Chief Osondu Onyedimara Signing The MOU[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_175204" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Exchange of the MOU[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_175203" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Sir Emerson Nwakanma[/caption]

https://youtu.be/xp1HWKmQ4pI