The Bayelsa State Government is setting an ambitious target of producing one million metric tonnes of rice annually as part of its efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
Governor Douye Diri made this declaration during the flag-off of the 2024/2025 Dry Farming Season at the Ministry of Agriculture rice farm in Otuasega, Ogbia Local Government Area.
Governor Diri highlighted that the programme includes providing farmers with inputs, technical support, and training in areas such as soil preparation, irrigation, and post-harvest management to ensure a successful farming season.
He urged all residents, including government officials, to engage in farming and support his administration’s agricultural revolution aimed at transforming Bayelsa into a productive economy.
During his first term, over 400 youths were trained in advanced farming techniques at CSS Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State, while 200 more recently underwent similar training. Another 77 youths were trained in soilless and greenhouse farming in Ogun State, with an additional 100 scheduled for training in January 2025.
Governor Diri, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of results from previous trainees despite significant financial support.
He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to audit the utilisation of funds given to trainees and announced a shift from cash incentives to encouraging access to agricultural loans.
“The era of subsistence farming is over; farming is now big business,” Governor Diri stated. “We are committed to supporting farmers and building infrastructure such as roads to facilitate the transport of farm produce. However, cash incentives will no longer be provided to trainees as it appears ineffective.”
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, outlined plans to cultivate 208 hectares of rice in various locations, including Amassoma, Otuasega, and Yenagoa. These farms are expected to produce 16,640 bags of rice paddies, yielding 8,320 bags of 50kg milled rice after harvest.
The Commissioner further revealed that expansion plans include large-scale cultivation at Isampou (4,500 hectares) and Peremabiri (2,500 hectares), which could produce 560,000 bags of paddies, translating to 280,000 bags of 50kg milled rice.