Godwin Udoh
The Delta State Governor, RT Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has announced the release of 1 billion counterpart funding for the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development, ( AUDA, NEPAD), to empower 2,000 farmers to enhance food production and livestock agriculture in the state.
Speaking during the flag-off of the disbursement of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries under the Result Area 2 – FADAMA (Food Security) of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, D-CARES, saying the N1billion counterpart funding for the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA NEPAD), to empower 2,000 farmers for food production, livestock and aquaculture.
He said the state government took the steps to boost agricultural production and ensure sustainable food security in the state and the country at large.
He urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity by utilizing the inputs efficiently so as to improve their productivity and harvest and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in the state.
Oborevwori said, “Today’s disbursement is part of that broader initiative, with particular focus on providing over 6,000 of our hardworking farmers with the essential inputs needed to boost agricultural productivity.
While urging the beneficiaries to be judicious in the use of the farming implements and supports , Governor Oborevwori commended D_ CARES under the management of Economic Planning Commissioner , Mr Sunny Ekedayen, for their dedication in making the programme a success.
Oborevwori said agriculture remains a cornerstone of it’s developmental policy and economy , and as such , no effort will be spared towards ensuring viable policies that will benefit farmers in the value chain, are vigorously pursued.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the D_ CARES steering committee Chairman and Commissioner for Economic planning, Mr Sunny Ekedayen, said under the food security component of the programme, 6,020 farmers were being empowered.
This, he said , was intended to boost productivity in food production areas such as poultry, fishery, cassava production, vegetable and tomato production inclusive.
The Economic planning Commissioner , therefore urged Deltans to take advantage of whatever space they could find , to engage in farming, adding that such initiatives , will on the long run help in beating down the high cost of staple food items, during harvest.
Highpoint of the event was the formal presentation of the items to the beneficiaries by Governor Oborevwori, who was lauded for promoting food security in these trying times.
