www.odogwublog.com reports that Governor
Willie Obiano says his government targets to achieve 600, 000 metric tons of
rice in 2018 with its efforts at supporting dry season farming in the State.
The Governor made this known when he inspected ongoing
construction of the Ogbaru Irrigation Project at Agbagba, Ogbakuba.
The irrigation project which is being assisted under
FADAMA 3, includes a Central Pivot System and a sprinkler with the capacity to
irrigate 100 hectares of land to support dry season farming.
Also under the irrigation project, over 5000 hectares
of land was cleared free of charge for rice farmers and rice have already been
planted on it.
During the visit, rice farmers were seen using
mechanized threshing machine provided for them under the project to process
their produce.
Governor Obiano after the inspection exercise, noted
that through the efforts of his administration, the State is presently
producing 345,000 metric tons of rice having exceeded its 320,000 metric tons
consumption capacity, attributing it to the organization which has been
introduced in the rice production business in the State.
He revealed that his government has set up a special
Advisory Agency on Mechanized farming to ensure that farmers in the state keep
pace with latest technological advancements in the Agricultural sector.
The Governor commended the FADAMA 3 programme for
proving a veritable partner with the State government in revolutionizing
Agriculture in the state and expressed appreciation for the programme's support
to boost sorghum production and train youths across various agricultural belts.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization,
Processing and Export, Mr Afam Mbanefo said under the FADAMA 3 PROGRAMME, four
other irrigation projects are being developed at Ezira, Omasi, Ihiala and Omor
while 11 major roads leading to various agrarian communities are also being
constructed, commending Governor Obiano for his vision that has made the state
a reference point in terms of Agriculture in the country.
The State Project Coordinator for FADAMA 3 PROGRAMME,
Mr Chukwuka Egbue revealed that to guarantee the project's sustainability, an
agreement has been reached with the Spanish Engineers that constructed the
facility to operate and maintain it for one year, during which local operators
will be trained to take over.
He further disclosed that with the support of the
state government, over 6000 farmers have already been assisted under the
programme, to embrace mechanized agriculture while 300 youth graduates have
also been empowered to become farmers.
On his part, the traditional ruler of Odekpe, Eze
Chuma Onyia commended Governor Obiano for paying desired attention to the
development of Agriculture and making the sector very lucrative for youths to
participate in, noting that with the project, they will now be able to do dry
season farming.
Obiano targets 600,000 metric tons of Rice this year
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on
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
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