Farmers Laud RSG On Cassava Production

Farmers in Rivers State have lauded  the determination of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to make agricultural development, particularly cassava production, the major policy thrust of his administration in the next four years.

The farmer who made the commendations while reacting to the recent partnership between Rivers State government and government of Netherlands on agricultural development argued that agricultural sector remains a major solution to the problems of youths unemployment, poverty eradication and food security in the state.

Mr. Daniel Nwokocha, secretary of Umukpota Green Cassava Growers Association particularly noted that the partnership between the two governments on cassava production was clear demonstration of Rivers State government to diversify into agric economy.

Describing agriculture as the only sector that has the capacity to absorb the army of unemployed youths in the state, Mr Nwokocha stressed the need for the state government to establish the Songhai farm in Bonu community in Tai Local Government Area in other local government areas of the state.

According to him, the establishment of the Songhai farm in other local government areas would go a long way to help the government achieve its desire of job creation and food production.

Besides, he wants the state government to ensure that rural farmers have access to agricultural loans and grants in the state in order to encourage them to produce more foods.

Also speaking, Hon Kingsley Chigbu noted that the state government’s investments in Songhai farm, oil palm estate, banana plantation, fish farm as well as provision of incentives to rural farmers were clear determination of Amaechi’s administration to diversify the economy and eradicate crime, hunger and poverty at the grassroots.

He explained that most countries of the world are now moving from natural oil and gas to agricultural economy to tackle the global problems of hunger and poverty adding that Rivers State should not be an exception.

Hon Chigbu who is the co-ordinator of Fadama III agricultural programme in Omuma Local Government Area, Rivers State disclosed that the programe has recorded substantial achievement in the area.

He urged farmers especially Rivers State youths to key into the state government’s agricultural programmes in order to improve their living standard and help in massive food production in the state.

Isaac Nwankwo