For many, Ukwa and Udala are nostalgic treats from a disappearing past. But in Anambra State, these trees are officially being rebranded as the “New Crude Oil.”
As part of the 2026 Fiscal Year, the Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture has earmarked N200 Million specifically to rescue these endangered indigenous trees from extinction.
The Breakdown of the “Endangered” Budget:
This isn’t just a small garden project. The government is moving with industrial precision:
Ukwa (African Breadfruit): N90 Million allocated for 60,000 seedlings. (Costing roughly N1,500 each).
Udala & Bitter Kola: N84 Million for 40,000 Udala and 20,000 Bitter Kola seedlings.
Ogbono & Raffia: N26 Million for 16,000 Ogbono and 10,000 Raffia seedlings.
Household Wealth: Unlike the “Malaysian Hybrid Oil Palm” which requires large plantations, these trees are designed for household distribution across all 21 LGAs. One healthy Ukwa tree can provide decades of food security and high-market-value income for a family.
Environmental Shield: Anambra is the “Erosion Capital of the East.” By planting 120,000 of these deep-rooted indigenous trees, the state is using nature to hold the soil together—fighting gullies with fruit.
The “Palm Revolution” Connection: This project runs alongside the distribution of 220 Million palm seedlings, aiming to make every compound in Anambra a “mini-factory” of economic produce.
The Ministry of Agriculture (led by Dr. Foster Ihejiofor) has confirmed that these seedlings will be distributed through Local Government Councils and Community Traditional Rulers.
The Takeaway: The “Anambra Renaissance” is as much about our roots as it is about robotics. We are building a state that feeds itself while it builds the future.
