Uduaghan Advises Youths On Agriculture

Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan

of Delta State, has urged youths in the state to embrace agriculture  instead of taking to criminal activities.

Uduaghan made the call last Friday while inaugurating the Federal Government Agricultural Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) programme in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Amos Utuama, said the state government through its Ministry of Agriculture initiated the Youth Empowerment through Agriculture and the Farmers Support Programme.

He said the programme was aimed at empowering the youths and peasant farmers to encourage agricultural production.

“The success has been modest while the loopholes are being plugged so that we can attain our goals of food sufficiency and security. “I urge the youths to embrace agriculture as panacea to unemployment instead of involving themselves in kidnapping and other criminal activities,’’ he added.

Uduaghan said the state government would continue to support agriculture through the provision of facilities and materials to encourage the farmers to successfully improve their produce.

He, however, tasked the private sector to come in and assist the state government in the realisation of the objectives of increasing agricultural production.

“The Flag-off of the GES scheme could not have come at a better time than now when the Federal and the State governments are committed to making agriculture take its prominent position in the nation.

“I am informed that this scheme will enable farmers through text messages to get direct access to subsidised inputs from relevant agencies with a view to increasing food production in the state. The state government is committed to improving on its agricultural programmes and giving necessary assistance to farmers,”he emphasised.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,  Dr Akniwumi Adesina, represented by his Regional Director, South-South, Mr Martins Odeh, said the GES scheme’s target was to involve about 20 million farmers in three years.

He called on farmers who had not registered to key into the scheme to get the maximum benefits that the scheme provideds.

“The new arrangement entails a shift from direct procurement and distribution of seeds and fertiliser by the government and allowing the private sector to drive the process through their network.

“The policy is also aimed at creating a synergy with the private sector and building its capacity to deliver and partake in the agricultural development of the country.’’

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Misan Ukubeyinje, said that 39 redemption centres across 25 Local Government Areas have been designed for registered farmers to access the materials.

According to him, each registered farmer will receive two bags of fertiliser at N5,500 (half the market price) and a bag of maize or rice for free as provided by the scheme.

The General Manger, Delta Agricultural Development Agency (DADA), Mr Ruben Ishaka,  said that about 69,000 farmers would benefit from the scheme this planting season.