Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to boost production of locally made rice, setting a target of 300,000 kilogrammes by the end of 2026. The directive came during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 dry farming season at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega, Ogbia Local Government Area, on Tuesday.
Expressing dissatisfaction with last season’s rice harvest, Governor Diri noted that despite government support, the state still relied on rice from outside during the Yuletide. He urged the Agriculture Ministry to prioritise food security, emphasising that Bayelsa’s fertile soil allows for organic crop production without fertiliser.
The governor highlighted the link between rural infrastructure and agriculture, explaining that roads and bridges not only connect communities but also ease transportation of farm produce to the state capital. To further support farmers, he approved a monthly grant of N200 million, along with farming inputs such as seedlings, herbicides, and pesticides.
Addressing the issue of herders destroying farmlands, Diri warned traditional rulers against allocating forest land to herders, pledging sanctions for violators. He reiterated that the state’s anti-grazing law remains in force and urged residents to report incidents to security agencies rather than relying on social media.
Governor Diri called on all Bayelsans, including civil servants, to actively participate in agriculture, describing the sector as a key driver of economic diversification. “Let our neighbours come and buy from us. It is a call to action,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Beke Sese, praised the governor’s investments in agriculture, noting that it has driven sector growth. Representatives from farmer associations, women in agribusiness, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria also commended Governor Diri’s support, citing its positive impact on Bayelsa’s agricultural landscape.
The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to food security, local production, and strengthening the capacity of farmers across Bayelsa.
