Delta To Implement Agricultural Fund Account

Delta Government says it has concluded plans to implement the Integrated Agricultural Development Fund Account, which will be supervised by its Directorate of Local Government.

Mr Newworld Safugha, Commissioner, Directorate of Local Government in the state, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen  in Asaba.

Safugha explained that in line with the 2004 Local Government Law of the country, every local government was expected to set aside two per cent of its monthly allocation to execute commercial agricultural scheme.

He said that the scheme was provided for in the agriculture fund account of the Federal Government.

Safugha disclosed that the purpose of the fund was to ensure food sufficiency in states and local governments and create employment for the teeming youths and retirees.

He also said that the implementation of the agricultural development fund account would help the state government to realise its objective of growing an economy not dependent on oil revenue.

“Giving this attention to agriculture does not, however, mean that infrastructural development, transport and other social services as well as peace and security will be relegated,’’ Safugha stated.

He said that to ensure effective and firm implementation of the agriculture programme in the state, a 13-member monitoring committee had been set up by the government.

The commissioner revealed that the directorate was collaborating with the state’s Local Government Service Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and the House of Assembly committee on Agriculture, on the project.

He also stressed the need for local government councils to be creative and proactive in revenue generation so as to improve their revenue base “without always depending on federal allocation.’’

Safugha said that with improved internally generated revenue, the councils could embark on good grassroots development programmes.

He, however, cautioned that the councils’ chairmen should prioritise projects and programmes in line with their revenue profile.