ASABA/Nigeria: Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called for friendly agricultural policies and massive involvement in food production to ensure food security in the country.
The governor, represented by Chief Arthur Akpowhowo, Commissioner for Urban Renewal, made the call on Monday while declaring open the event to mark 2021 World Food Day in Asaba.
He noted that the World Food Day celebrated on Oct. 16, was moved by the state government to Monday to allow for inclusion.
Okowa said that the year’s theme, “Our Actions are Our Future: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life,” was apt.
“Its primary focus is to tackle global hunger and strive to eradicate hunger across the the world.
“This day also serves as a reminder of the necessity to make everyone aware of requirement for better agricultural policies to be adopted and executed by governments to ensure there is enough food available for everyone.
“World Food Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the people who are not that lucky to enjoy even one meal a day,” he said.
Okowa added, “we are expanding our agricultural policies beyond staple food production to include investments and research on nutritious crops like fruits, vegetable, legumes, others.
“We are also creating markets for smallholder farmers by linking them to the procurement system.
“I would wish to emphasise that if the agricultural sector must be made more productive and food system sustainable, we must all prepare to invest massively in the sector.
He said that the state government has developed and approve a new policy known as “Delta State Agricultural Policy,” with a focus on agribusiness development and job creation.
Okowa attributed the looming food crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers/herders clash and high cost of food production.
He, however, noted that the state government had signed a law to address the issues.
“We are doing everything to make our farms safe and to ensure that all citizens of the state have right to a better life and better environment where people will be more freely involved in their choice occupation.
“I have signed the law on Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing, and Marketing Regulations to put an end to the incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians resident in the state to support this law because it stands to benefit all.
“I also call on our farmers and agribusiness men to consider going into cattle ranching.
“I also call on the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to commence the process of modern cattle husbandry.
“It will help reduce unemployment, boost our economy and the per capital income of the cattle breeders,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief Julius Egbedi, State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said it was time for everyone to look into the future by getting involved in agriculture.
Egbedi said that it was only through a holistic approach to food safety that the connection between the health of people, animal, plant and environment would be recognised.
“In a sheer determination to ensure food security for the people of the state despite COVID-19, Gov. Okowa has further increased his commitment to the sector by developing several emergency projects as palliative measures in COVID-19 recovery,” he said.
The farmers from all the 25 local government areas displayed their produce at the event and best farmers were rewarded by the state government.
