The Delta State government has distributed 549 metric tonnes of grains to fish and pig farmers across the state, with a stern warning against selling the distributed grains under penalty of arrest and prosecution.
Speaking during the distribution at the ADP office in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, Secretary of the State Palliative Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, emphasized the government’s adherence to the federal directive prohibiting the sale of palliatives.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the grains, noting that doing so constitutes a criminal offense.
Egbo outlined the consequences for violators, stating that those found selling the grains would be arrested, prosecuted, and blacklisted from future distribution exercises. He revealed that 577 fish farmers and over 140 pig farmers would receive grains, totaling 549 tonnes, as part of the distribution.
The distribution targeted small farmholders, particularly impacted by the high cost of feed, to alleviate their economic strain.
Egbo affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural productivity in the state, citing initiatives like setting aside N2 billion for tomato and vegetable farming and rice cultivation in Aviara, Isoko.
However, the executive Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. George Oyefia, highlighted the government’s focus on supporting smallholders to sustain their businesses amidst inflationary pressures.
He stressed the importance of empowering small farmers to mitigate the effects of rising costs and reduce unemployment, aligning with the governor’s agenda of youth empowerment and food security.
Oyefia also mentioned plans to venture into frozen chicken production to address the high cost of fish in the market, further bolstering the state’s agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Fishing Cooperative of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, and the Delta State Chairman of the Pig Farmers Association expressed appreciation for the government’s support, anticipating improved productivity as a result of the distribution.