The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured local farmers in Edo state
of it continued support and pledged to sustain the commission’s Agricultural programme targeted at growing rice and Cassava to boost food security and sufficiency across the Niger Delta States.
Speaking at the inaugural harvest of the NDDC Rice and Cassava farmers Empowerment Progamme at Warrake , Owan East Local Government of Edo State, the Managing Director NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku said the NDDC Rice and Cassava farmers Empowerment Progamme is a celebration of her joint accomplishment and the harvest of rice from the First farm of the NDDC rice and Cassava Farmers Empowerment programme.
Ogbuku who was represented by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries in NDDC, Dr. Winifred Madume, said the inaugural harvest is a significant day in the history of agricultural Progammes in the Niger Delta.
He said it is significant for the all-round success of the farm and the adoption of full mechanization from land preparation to harvest as well as the adoption of good agronomy practice.
“We can also see that the season are not stopping the programme as work continues even into our short dry season.
“The lesson learnt from this inaugural farm and others currently at various stages will support our efforts in continuous improvement.
“During the onboarding programme in June , we assured everyone that this programme will be successful. Today, this harvest serves as a milestone in a journey that is far from complete but has certainly taken off on a strong footing. “Ogbuku said.
Ogbuku noted that the NDDC designed the programme in such a way that it will not only be self-sustaining but will by force of success attract financial institutions and other partners to join in expanding to reach more communities and farmers.
He thanked the leadership of the Warrake community for not only the land made available for farming but also the enabling environment provided for the success of the project.
“I am grateful to all the farmers here for your hard work leading to the harvest we are celebrating today. From the proceeds of this
harvest, we will continue to sustain this programme even as you benefit from your hard work.
“For the selected communities where we are yet to start, please be assured that the project will not only come to your communities
but when it comes, it will be sustained.” Ogbuku said.