By John Ovie, YENAGOA
The Bayelsa State Government has reiterated its commitment to food sufficiency and security as well as job creation, and wealth generation across the state, setting an ambitious target of producing 300,000 bags of rice this year.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, announced this during the official handover of Farrow 71 and 72 rice seeds, herbicides, and farm tools, including wheelbarrows, sprayers, hoes, and cutlasses to local farmers.
Professor Sese maintains that the farrow 71 and 72 varieties known for their high yield and ability to withstand the iron-rich soil and flooding conditions prevalent in the state, and the herbicides to farmers at no cost is a strategic scientific advantage designed to help the state meet its rice production goals.
Speaking further, the Commissioner expressed the government’s dedication to protecting farmlands from destruction by herdsmen and also confirmed that Governor Douye Diri has fulfilled his promise to provide a 200 million Naira monthly grant to farmers, noting that the fund are subject to strict verification to ensure only genuine farmers get them.
Representatives of various agricultural bodies, including the state chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Ndiomu Aweikumoh; the state chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Endoni ThankGod; representatives of the Otuokpoti Rice Cluster, Comrade Igbani Mercy; and the Nigerian Women in Agriculture (NIWA), Ebimotimi Leghemo, all expressed their appreciation to government for the support.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ikoboho Anthony Howells, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the distributed items and emphasized that the ministry would collaborate with security agencies to monitor the proper utilization of the farm inputs.
