ASABA/Nigeria: In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity and alleviate the economic strain on small-scale farmers, the Delta State Government executed the distribution of 549 tons of grains to fish and pig farmers across the state on Friday. The distribution, held at the ADP office in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, aimed at supporting vulnerable farmers grappling with the soaring costs of feed.
Secretary of the State Palliative Committee, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, reiterated the government’s stance, echoing the federal directive that strictly prohibits the sale of the distributed grains. He emphasized the criminal repercussions awaiting any beneficiary caught engaging in unauthorized resale. Egbo, who also serves as the Special Adviser to the governor on Transport, underlined the government’s commitment to blacklist any individual, group, or cluster found violating the directive, thereby rendering them ineligible for future distributions.
“We are following the federal government’s directive that the palliative should not be sold. So, anybody who sells anything here will be arrested and prosecuted. It is a criminal offence for anybody to sell any of the grains,” Egbo emphasized.
The allocation encompassed 577 fish farmers, slated to receive 398 tons of grains, and over 140 pig farmers, who were set to benefit from more than 151 tons of grains. These figures, as disclosed by Egbo, were meticulously calculated to cater to small-scale farmers disproportionately affected by the escalating cost of feed.
Egbo shed light on the broader agricultural initiatives spearheaded by the government, including earmarking N2 billion for tomato and vegetable farming, along with plans for rice cultivation across the state. He affirmed the government’s dedication to fortifying food security and empowering local farmers amidst prevailing economic challenges.
Also speaking, Executive Assistant to the governor on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. George Oyefia, elucidated the rationale behind prioritizing small farm holders, citing their vulnerability in the face of inflationary pressures. Oyefia underscored the government’s overarching goal of sustaining agricultural enterprises and curbing unemployment, particularly among the youth demographic.
Furthermore, Oyefia hinted at strategic collaborations to diversify livestock production, exploring avenues for frozen chicken production to alleviate market demand and potentially bolster export capabilities.
In appreciative response, representatives of the Fishing Cooperative of Nigeria and the Pigs Farmers Association lauded the state government’s intervention, expressing optimism about its transformative impact on their respective sectors.
The distribution of grains not only signifies the state’s proactive approach to agricultural resilience but also underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods for its citizens amidst economic adversities.
