In a strategic move to bolster food security and agricultural productivity, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has empowered 6,020 farmers with agricultural inputs under the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme. The initiative is part of the broader efforts to address food challenges in the state, leveraging sustainable agricultural reforms.
The official flag-off event, which took place at the Events Centre in Asaba, marked a pivotal moment for the state’s agricultural sector. The disbursement was carried out under Result Area 2 of the D-CARES programme, a focus area targeting food security through the FADAMA framework. Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of the intervention, noting its alignment with his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security).
In addition to providing the agricultural inputs, the Governor announced the release of N1 billion as counterpart funding to support 2,000 farmers through the Africa Union Development Agency’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) programme. This fund is intended to empower farmers engaged in food production, livestock farming, and aquaculture, sectors crucial to ensuring a steady supply of food in the state and improving local livelihoods.
Governor Oborevwori addressed the farmers, urging them to use the resources effectively, saying, “This initiative reflects our commitment to sustaining agricultural production and ensuring food security in Delta State. I encourage all beneficiaries to optimize these inputs to improve their productivity, boost harvests, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s agricultural development.”
He reiterated his administration’s focus on agriculture as a key pillar in its development strategy, aimed at increasing household incomes and elevating the standard of living for thousands of Deltans. According to the Governor, the programme is not just about empowering farmers but also about building resilience within the state, especially in the face of economic challenges.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, highlighted that the empowered farmers are engaged in various agricultural enterprises such as poultry, fish farming, cassava cultivation, maize, pepper production, and vegetable farming. He stressed that this support is vital to mitigate the rising food prices and enhance food supply in urban and rural areas.
Ekedayen further encouraged Deltans to embrace urban farming, using available spaces in their environments to grow food and thus contribute to the state’s overall productivity.
Several beneficiaries of the programme expressed their gratitude to the Governor. Farmers like Friday Imonikebe, Paul Ejuone, and Ifeoma Akinjare praised the state government for its continued investment in agriculture and infrastructure. They pointed to ongoing road projects, such as the Emevor-Orogun Road, as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving rural economies alongside urban development.
Through this initiative, Delta State is not only addressing food security concerns but also positioning itself as a hub for agricultural excellence, ensuring that its citizens can thrive in a growing, sustainable economy.
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