The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has successfully harvested its inaugural crop of rice and cassava under the Rice and Cassava Farmers Empowerment Programme in Warrake, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, “This farm’s success is significant because it has adopted full mechanization from land preparation to harvesting and good agronomic practices. We can also see that the seasons are not stopping the programme as work continues even into our short dry season.”
Ogbuku, represented by the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, expressed delight at the young farmers’ enthusiasm for boosting food production.
He noted that the Commission was working with farmers in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States to sustain all-season farming across the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC boss thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta and the emphasis on food security in Nigeria.
He encouraged farmers, communities, and consultants to continue working closely with the NDDC to replicate the success across all project areas.
The Traditional ruler of Warrake, HRH Alimu Ogbeidu, stressed the importance of food security and urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate protection for farmers to engage in food production.
He also appealed to the NDDC to construct the access road to the rice farm in Warrake.