From TCNEWS
Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, UCCIMA has advised the Abia state government to encourage farmers in the state to venture into the business of integrating other crops and livestock in order to build a fortified wall of food security and boost internally generated revenue.
This is even as an agriculturist and the traditional ruler of Oriendu autonomous community, Ohuhu clan in Umuahia North L.G.A, HRM Eze Pastor Philip Ajomiwe has called for massive planting of improved mango varieties to help reduce poverty, i
mprove the state’s nutrition and income and boost food production.
The UCCIMA President, Chief Chidi Nkem Aruoma spoke to our correspondent through WhatsApp call on the celebration of the year 2024 National Mango Day.
Celebrated on 22 July, National Mango Day was designed to let people know about the history and some lesser-known facts about the juicy and delicious fruit mango. It is also designed to honour the delicious and versatile tropical fruit, known for its flavour and several health benefits. Famous for its sweet and juicy flavour, mango is primarily a summer fruit and it comes in all shapes and sizes and with different varieties offering a range of tastes.
Chief Aruoma pointed out that mango farming would present not only a significant opportunity for agribusiness investors and farmers but has the potential for sustainable income generation due to the fruit’s long life and high demand.
“Apart from boosting the IGR and food security, mango trees are crucial for the environment, they are an essential component of a healthy and sustainable environment. Mango trees absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for various animals, offer economic opportunities for local communities, are well adapted to dry environments, and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. So, by planting mango trees, we can contribute to mitigating climate change, reducing poverty, and promoting environmental sustainability”, the UCCIMA boss also observed.
Interacting with our correspondent also, HRM Eze Pastor Philip Ajomiwe recommended that the government through the State Ministry of Agriculture should mobilize/engage casual workers and get them to be involved in mango seedlings planting and nurturing which would be supplied to trained mango farmers, mostly the willing unemployed youths.
He also suggested that a mango nursery bed be established in all the Local Government Areas of the State with at least 10 trained nursery operators managing the site.
According to him, the initiative would provide enough fruits for the citizens as well help to maintain a good environment ecosystem in the Communities.
Pix: HRM Eze Pastor Philip Ajomiwe.
Beyond the mouth-watering taste, the fruit is known to have a strong connection with India. According to multiple sources, the mango was first cultivated more than 4,000 years ago in India. As per Britannica, the fruit got its name, most likely, from the Malayam manna, which the Portuguese adopted as manga when they arrived in Kerala back in the 15th century, according to records.