News in brief:
- Delta State Governor has pledged a â¦2 billion agricultural intervention fund to support farmers in 2024, emphasising the state’s commitment to enhancing food security and job creation.
– The fund aligns with the state’s Agenda for sustainable agricultural reforms and infrastructure development as well as diversification from oil dependence.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged to disburse a â¦2 billion Special Agricultural Intervention Fund to farmers in January 2024, in line with the state government’s commitment to bolstering food security and job creation through agricultural value chain development.
This announcement was made during Governor Oborevwori’s visit to the Mbiri Farm Settlement and the Aboh-Ogwashi Agro-Industrial Park, showcasing the state’s ongoing initiatives to promote agricultural growth.
The Mbiri Farm Settlement boasts 30 greenhouses dedicated to cultivating tomatoes and other vegetables, while the Aboh-Ogwashi Park focuses on rice milling and processing other grains. These projects align with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, targeting sustainable agricultural reforms while strengthening the agricultural value chain.
While acknowledging the existing infrastructure, Oborevwori stated that the efforts of the past administration were laudable. He then revealed the â¦2 billion Special Agricultural Intervention Fund, which will be disbursed within the month, to empower farmers across the state.
Furthermore, recognising the crucial role of infrastructure in fostering agricultural success, the governor promised to address the need for access roads and other key infrastructure at the Aboh-Ogwashi Park. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the project consultant to ensure its timely completion, benefiting both the state and the nation.
Additionally, he noted the importance of diversifying the economy and limiting dependence on oil. He stated that the removal of fuel subsidy is ‘encouraging’ in helping the citizens to go into farming, in order to ensure food security.
Meantime, the initiative builds upon the state’s existing efforts under the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS), as confirmed by the Commissioner for Agricultural Development, Perez Omoun. The program has already established three greenhouse farms across the state’s three senatorial districts, further solidifying Delta’s commitment to agricultural development.
