ASABA/Nigeria: In a bid to address the challenges faced by members of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN), Delta State Chapter, the Delta State Government distributed 7,660 bags (388 tonnes) of maize on Thursday. The distribution took place at the ADP office in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.
Chief Jaro Egbo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport and Secretary of the State Palliatives Committee, emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s agenda to mitigate the effects of the increasing cost of feeds production in Nigeria. He stated, “The state government’s gesture is to reduce the high cost of living by encouraging the production of what is consumed in the state, ultimately enabling the state to compete favorably with any other state in the country in terms of agricultural productivity.”
Egbo revealed that a total of 528 tonnes of maize are expected to be distributed to poultry farmers in the state, with the current release being 7,660 bags (388 tonnes). He noted that the verification of PAN members showed substantial compliance of about 97 percent.
“A total of 528 tonnes of maize are to be distributed to poultry farmers in the state out of which we are releasing 7,660 bags of maize, which is about 388 tonnes, to the poultry farmers until we sort out other grey areas to see whether those farms exist or not,” Egbo stated.
The Executive Assistant to the State Governor on Agriculture, Hon. George Oyefia, clarified that the present cycle of distribution focuses on poultry farmers alone. He outlined the MORE Agenda, emphasizing the commitment to realistic reforms for equal opportunities. Oyefia highlighted various agricultural projects in the pipeline, including the allocation of 1,000 hectares of land for dry season rice farming and the planting of over three million palm trees to expand agricultural productivity.
“The exercise just started today and it is going to be a continuous one. After dealing with the commodity farmers, we will be dealing with the crop farmers,” Oyefia explained. He expressed confidence that Delta State would become the next hub of farming activities in Nigeria within the next six to seven months.
Chief Eric Tomfawei, Chairman of PAN Delta State Chapter, expressed gratitude to the governor for policies and programs aimed at enhancing food security. He assured the state government of judicious utilization of the distributed palliatives to achieve the intended goal of enhancing productivity among poultry farmers.
