The Bayelsa State Government says it has intensified efforts to revive large-scale rice farming in order to strengthen food security through the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment to local farmers across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Professor Beke Sese, disclosed this while speaking during the Ministry’s distribution of farming inputs and equipment to farmers in Peremabiri, Ekowe, and Ikoromogbene communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The Commissioner noted that the intervention is aimed at improving productivity and supporting farmers ahead of the new planting season as part of the state government’s drive to boost local rice production across the state.
Professor Beke Sese described Peremabiri Community as one of the state’s major rice-producing areas with enormous agricultural potential.
He further stated that although Peremabiri has a long history of rice cultivation, several challenges had affected its production capacity over the years.
The Commissioner, however, expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded during the last farming season, noting that the harvest encouraged the Ministry to expand support for rice farmers in the area.
According to him, the distribution of farm tools and rice seedlings reflects Governor Douye Diri’s administration’s commitment to improving food production, empowering rural farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture across the state.
Also speaking, the Amananaowei of Peremabiri Community, His Royal Highness Wisdom Ogirigi, recalled that in the 1960s, Peremabiri Community was widely recognised as a major rice-producing community capable of supplying food beyond Bayelsa State to other parts of West Africa before crises disrupted farming activities.
The traditional ruler commended Governor Douye Diri for his efforts to restore rice cultivation in the community and assured the government of increased harvests through the renewed support to farmers.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Humphrey Jeremiah, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Progressive Rice Farmers Association of Peremabiri Community, Mr. Karen Inspection, representative of Ekowe Community, and Mrs. Flora Local, in a joint statement, described the intervention as timely and impactful.
They appreciated the Ministry and the state government for the support and appealed for the full revival of the Peremabiri Rice Farm, regarded as one of the largest in West Africa.
Highlights of the event included the official flag-off of the distribution of FARO 71 and FARO 72 rice seedlings, wheelbarrows, pumping machines, knapsack sprayers, hoes, and machetes to farmers in the benefiting communities.
0 Comments