Bayelsa State has launched an extensive dry season farming initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel Alabrah on Saturday in a press release.
Alabra stated that the programme provides farmers with essential inputs, technical assistance, and training in areas such as soil preparation, irrigation, and post-harvest management.
He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources is spearheading efforts to promote the cultivation of rice, cassava, plantain, and other crops where the state holds a comparative advantage.
During the inauguration of the 2024/2025 Dry Farming Season at the Ministry of Agriculture's rice farm in Otuasega, Ogbia Local Government Area, Governor Douye Diri encouraged residents to participate in the state's agricultural revolution.
He emphasized the importance of transitioning Bayelsa from a consumption-driven to a production-oriented economy and urged government officials to engage in farming to support this transformation.
Governor Diri highlighted that over 400 youths have been trained at the CSS Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State, with an additional 200 recently completing training.
Furthermore, 77 youths have been trained in soilless and greenhouse farming in Ogun State, with plans to train 100 more in January.
Despite these efforts, the governor expressed disappointment over the lack of tangible results from trainees who received financial support, leading to a decision to discontinue cash incentives. Instead, the government will encourage farmers to utilize available agricultural loan schemes and ensure repayment.
Also, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Beke Sese outlined plans to cultivate approximately 208 hectares of rice farms across various locations, including Amassoma, Otuasega, Yenagoa, and the Niger Delta University.
The farms are projected to yield up to 16,640 bags of rice paddies, translating to 8,320 bags of 50kg milled rice after harvest.
The state also plans to expand rice farming to areas like Isampou and Peremabiri, aiming to produce 560,000 bags of rice paddies, equating to 280,000 bags of 50kg milled rice.
The ministry is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, international development partners, NGOs, and the private sector to bring global best practices and investments into Bayelsa's agricultural sector.
Partners include France, South Korea, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Representatives from the third batch of CSS Farms trainees and the Nigerian Women in Agriculture (NIWA) expressed gratitude for the training opportunities and highlighted efforts to mobilize women for cluster farming across the state's eight local government areas to boost food production.
