NAOC Disburses N20.8m To Farmers’ Cooperatives

Following the challenges of flood disaster that marred the efforts of farmers and co-operative societies in 2012, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company – Green River Project (NAOC – GRP), has disbursed the sum of N20.8 million to 41 farmers’ co-operative societies across its operational states of Rivers, Imo, Abia and Delta.

NAOC Managing Director, Ciro Antonio Pagano, disclosed this last Saturday, at the 17th 2012 Farmers’ Day celebration held at the Plant Propagation Centre (PPC), Obie-Obrikom in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Managing Director, who was represented by the Human Resources General Manager, Namaan Dienye, said, despite the daunting challenges, NAOC Green River Project would continue to impact lives by supporting farmers in the areas of multiplication and distribution of planting materials, extension services and training, rural transportation and agro-processing, micro-credit access facilitation, among others.

As part of efforts to boost input materials, NAOC he said, has embarked on the cultivation of over 16.5 hectres of land for rapid multiplication of improved seeds and seedling, production and distribution of 5,340 bundles of cassava stems to 559 farmers, distribution of 14,505 seed yams to 50 farmers as well as over three tons of maize seeds to 395 farmers.

Others are distribution of 45kg of early maturing Okro seeds to 75 farmers, 35 plantain suckers to 187 farmers, 16,360 pineapple suckers to 35 farmers and 2,000 various indigenous fruit trees, as well as training of 548 youths in various trades such as, catering, fashion design, masoury, computer, hair dressing and welding/pipe fittings.

The Managing Director commended the four states Governments, Community Development Foundation (CDF) and other research institutes for their support and encouragement, noting that the event provided opportunity for farmers, Co-operative Society, agro-based organsations, government and other stakeholders to show case their achievements in the period under consideration.

Also speaking, the Agip General Manager, District, Giovanni Salvini, lauded the efforts of the farmers who despite the challenge of the 2012 flood disaster, still provide the agricultural produce exhibited at the respective pavilion, saying that NAOCwill continue to provide necessary support that would encourage massive food production in the four states.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Boma Oruwari has described the efforts of Agip towards agric-development as a sure way of creating job, wealth and poverty alleviation among the host communities.

He called on the youths/women of the area to key into the farmers co-operative Societies so as to be part of the beneficiaries of the agric business project of NAOC – GRP.

Highlight of the occasion was cultural display and award of certificate, cash and items to various categories of the best farmers of the year.