Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), in partnership with the Abia State Government, has launched a strategic initiative to address the persistent shortage of tomatoes and pepper in Southeastern Nigeria. The collaboration, announced by Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, aims to strengthen food security and boost nutrition across the region.

Key highlights include:
• Greenhouse Innovation: MOUAU’s Greenhouse Project and Agribusiness Incubation Centre will serve as a hub for climate-smart cultivation and farmer training.
• Youth Empowerment: The initiative targets capacity building for young agripreneurs in tomato and pepper production.
• Supply Chain Resilience: By reducing reliance on Northern Nigeria and cross-border imports, the project seeks to stabilize regional markets.
• Academic Integration: The university’s research-driven approach bridges gaps between academia and field-level agricultural needs.

Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, emphasized the nutritional importance of tomatoes and called for broader investment in greenhouse farming. Project Supervisor Professor Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka highlighted the socio-economic impact and urged replication across Southeast LGAs.

You can read the full article on Daily Post Nigeria.