The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on Friday distributed 11,000 litres of specialised Soil Conditioner and Agric Zyme to boost planting and enhance crop yield as part as efforts to support the diversification of the country’s economy through agriculture.
The Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere who was represented on the occasion by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Governing Board of the Commission, Hon Samuel Frank said the procurement of over 50,000 liters of Soil Conditioners and 50,000 Agric Zyme for the region is a clear demonstration of the Commission’s zeal and commitment to boost agricultural production as Akwa Ibom State has a fair distribution of over 11,000 Litres each of Soil Conditioner and Agric Zyme.
He thanked the people of Akwa Ibom State for their continued support for the APC Federal Government under the leadership of President Mahammadu Buhari, stating that the President’s policy of diversification of the nation’s economy through agriculture is in fulfillment of one of his campaign promises.
He explained that the Commission is committed to promoting agriculture in its entire ramification, expressing optimism that the Commission under the current Board and Management is focused and determined to transform agriculture from its current rudimentary and traditional farming system to modern commercial farming system that would guarantee food security not only for residents of the region but the nation as a whole.
Hear him, “We are aware of challenges faced by farmers in the region, such as poor production and processing technologies, lack of access to quality inputs and credits due to high interest rates charged by commercial banks, lack of training opportunities to acquire skills in special agricultural practices, and poor access to viable domestic and international markets”.
“These collectively have contributed in no small measure to poor harvest yields and perennial post- harvest losses, with a threat to national food security. The situation is also made worse by lack of luster attitude to agriculture amongst our youths. Yet, agriculture remains a key sector with enormous potentials to create employment for our teaming unemployed youths”.
According to Ekere, the NDDC appreciates value chain not only as the key to food security but a great potential for stimulating commercial activities and promoting agricultural trade and investment. The Commission, he said, is currently in dialogue with Nigerian Export- Import Bank (NEXIM) to establish a Niger Delta Export Development Fund (NDEDF). “This fund when in place shall offer opportunities to residents of Niger Delta region to access facilities for precessing and export of agricultural produce. We therefore envisage a good turnaround in agricultural production, and processing, and export of product from the region when this partnership is established”, he submitted.
He noted that as part of the Commission’s drive to ensure capacity building for farmers in special agricultural areas in the region, the NDDC sponsored some farmers and stakeholders to attend “Meet the Farmers Conference” in Dubai late last year as part of efforts to boost capacity.
He said the Commission is also collaborating with Cross Rivers State Government to operationize the CRSG Hatchery/Poultry Project with the aim to distribute day old chicks and feeds to poultry farmers at subsidized rates, so as to make protein sources affordable in the region.
According to the NDDC boss, the Commission shall in due course embark on the distribution of other relevant agricultural inputs such as implements, herbicides, pesticides, improved seeds/seedlings, fishing gears, nets, fish tanks as part of efforts to institutionalise modern commercial farming in the region and admonished farmers in Akwa Ibom State to take advantage of the Soil Conditioners and Agric Zyme in order to produce bountiful foods that would be safer for human consumption.
The Consultant and Chief Executive of Zenith Energy Enzymes Inc, Engr Dr Mrs Edith Anekwe, assured the farmers of the potency and efficiency of the specialised fertilizers and admonished the farmers to take advantage of it to increase their yield.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman, Amalgamated Farmers Association, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Sunny Ibanga, thanked the NDDC for the initiative and announced a free donated of a tractor to members of the farmers association who needs it to enhance commercial farming.
On his part, a former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Prof Ini Akpabio, advocated more training of farmers to enhance their capacity to utilise modern farming technologies.
Also speaking, Mrs Nkoyo Ebek, President Akwa Ibom Women Farmers, said farmers in the state will stand by NDDC on its efforts at making agriculture more modern, proactive and result oriented. He advocated for more access to credit facilities to help more farmers expand their numerous agricultural businesses.
Similarly, a renowned farmer, Hon Engr Akanimo Edet, complained of lack of markets to sell his agricultural produce and advocated the creation of an international market to aid the selling of farm products towards enhancing earning of foreign exchange.
Among those who attended the event were NDDC State Director for Akwa Ibom State, Dr Godspower Amadi, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Marcel Eshiogu, his Deputy Director, Mr Felix Amorue, Assistant Director of Commercial and Rural Development, Mrs Gloria Akpanam, Assistant Director Admin and Human Resources, Olaniyi Salami, amongst others.
