RSG Launches Fertiliser For Flood-Ravaged Areas

The Rivers State Government has launched a Roll-Out Fertilizer programme for farmers in flood ravaged areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Chindah, who performed the ceremony on behalf of the state government at Akinima, headquarters of Ahoada-West Local Government Area, said that the scheme was initiated by the Federal Government under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme to alleviate the suffering of farmers in flood ravaged parts of the country.

Chinda said that the programme will not only ensure good regulation in quality of seed and fertilizer but would provide access to financial support for farmers to enable them buy the seeds and fertilizers.

The commissioner also said that the programme is part of the commitment by Jonathan-led administration to bring back Nigeria as a major agriculture country in the world.

While denying the effect of the flood on farming in the affected areas, the commissioner said that the fertilizer will mitigate the impact of the disaster among farmers.

“I am not surprised at what is taking place today, that fertilizers will be given to affected farmers to mitigate the flood effect.

“This is a step in the right direction,” he said.

He also assured that planting materials will be distributed to them.

In his address, the state director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Umoh Sampson said that the ministry will soon commence another phase of farmers registration in the country.

Sampson said that the registration will provide opportunities for the Federal Government to know the number of farmers and size of their farms with a view to facilitating even distribution of incentives.

The chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Miller Awori who declared the programme open said that the programme will help farmers in the area.