Enugu State plans to launch 260 Smart Farm Estates to modernize agriculture and promote resident participation in farming.

Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Patrick Ubru, revealed this Monday during a Governor Peter Mbah-led inspection of the pilot Smart Farm Estate site in Akpawfu, Nkanu East LGA.

Enugu State earmarked N2 billion in its 2025 budget for Smart Farm Estates across all 260 political wards in its 17 local government areas.

The initiative, part of Governor Peter Mbah’s grassroots agriculture revolution, is tagged “One Ward, One Smart Farm Estate.”

Ubru highlighted the need for step-down town hall meetings in council areas to educate farmers on how to take advantage of the initiative. He emphasized the urgency of organizing town hall meetings with targeted farmers without delay.

He urged individuals, cooperative societies, communities, corporate organizations, and agricultural agencies such as IFAD-VCDP and FADAMA to collaborate on the initiative in the interest of the people.

The commissioner described the “One Ward, One Smart Farm Estate” initiative as a game-changer, noting that Governor Peter Mbah is putting everything in place to ensure maximum benefits for residents.

Ubru explained that the initiative would be implemented on hectares of land, incorporating various farming activities, including crop cultivation and the planting of exotic and economic crops such as cocoa, cassava, sorghum, vegetables, exotic peppers, and spices.

The state government will collaborate with local councils to ensure the initiative’s success, actively engaging residents—especially youths—to participate and benefit from its opportunities.