The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has provided 300 rice farmers across the region with starter packs worth N200,000 each, totaling N60 million, as part of efforts to boost rice production and strengthen the agricultural sector.
NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the commission’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, made the announcement at the closing ceremony of the second batch of the commission’s training program for rice farmers in Port Harcourt. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to equipping farmers with modern rice farming techniques, improved processing methods, and agribusiness strategies.
“The scheme is designed to enable farmers to enhance rice production, establish cooperatives, and explore further partnerships with relevant agencies and financial institutions,” Ogbuku said.
He also noted the commission’s collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to provide apprenticeship training for farmers in the region.
The training program, which combined theoretical and practical sessions, had participants from Abia and other Niger Delta states. Each farmer received a N200,000 starter pack and a certificate of completion.
Deputy Director of Agriculture and Fisheries at NDDC, Mr. Wale Oretan, urged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained to improve their farming businesses and contribute to the region’s rice production growth.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Uzoma Ochulo, President of the Abia Rice Farmers Association, pledged that the farmers would share their newly acquired skills with others in their communities to further expand rice production across the Niger Delta.
