By Juliana Agbo

National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA), has disclosed that it would collaborate with faith based organisations to boost food production in the country.

Director General, NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne made this known in Aba, Abia State during an advocacy visit to the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev Augustine Echema.

Prince Ikonne said 14 states including Abia had been selected as pilot states for the launch of the back to farm initiative of the federal government, aimed at encouraging every household in the nation to embrace farming.

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He urged faith based organisations to take advantage of agricultural programs of federal government to create employment, empower and engage youths meaningfully in productive ventures.

He further explained that NALDA was well positioned to offer technical support, inputs and other forms of assistance to effectively tackle hunger and ensure food sufficiency.

Speaking, Bishop Echema expressed the readiness of the Catholic Church to key into agricultural policies of the federal government, in view of impact on the overall well-being of people.

He said the Church had acquired large acres of land for farming, pointing out that if developed, through the adoption of mechanised system of agriculture, it would put food on the tables of many Nigerians and reduce criminality.