Abundant Rice, Cassava in Sight as NDDC Empowers 4,500 Farmers in Nigeria
- The NDDC has sparked an agricultural revolution with a new initiative that will equip thousands of rice and cassava farmers
- The commission said that the initiative will promote the use of scientific and technological advancements to boost productivity
- Part of the plan is to leverage the success of this initiative to drive the necessary investments in agricultural infrastructure
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the stock market.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a collaboration with communities in the Niger Delta to support 4,500 rice and cassava farmers, aiming to bolster food security both regionally and nationally.
This initiative is a proactive measure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to empower the Niger Delta residents and enhance food security across Nigeria.
Source: UGC
NDDC boosting food security
During the onboarding program for farmer empowerment at the NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt, NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Executive Director (Projects) Victor Antai, announced the commission's commitment to assisting farmers.
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According to BusinessDay, the NDDC aims to promote good agronomic practices and expedite the use of scientific and technological advancements to boost productivity and sustainability.
He highlighted that this key agricultural initiative will provide smallholder rice and cassava farmers with data, financing, farm inputs, mechanization, and extension services to sustainably increase their production, thereby enhancing their income and contributing to food sufficiency in the Niger Delta region.
He said:
“This programme is conservatively projected to produce 12,000 tons of paddy rice and 10,500 tons of cassava tubers in the pilot phase this farming season.
“In addition to supporting farmers with factors of production, this project will connect farmers to the market by providing off-taking and help them build the performance and credit record they need to benefit subsequently from commercial financing."
He further mentioned that the NDDC plans to leverage the success of this initiative to drive the necessary investments in agricultural infrastructure.
According to the 2023 Global Hunger Index report published on its official website, Nigeria is among the countries struggling with severe hunger issues.
In 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projected that approximately 26.5 million Nigerians could experience a food crisis from June to August 2024.
Also speaking at the event, Winifred Madume, the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, highlighted the project's potential to boost agricultural activities and improve the economic well-being of the local population.
She noted that the Niger Delta region plays a crucial role in Nigeria's agricultural output and global trade, especially in palm oil and cassava.
She said:
"The NDDC is dedicated to restoring the region’s agricultural potential through this project, emphasising professionalism and accountability in its execution."
According to the recent inflation rate report by the National Bureau of Statistics for May 2024, Nigeria's overall inflation rate reached 36.95%, while the rate of food inflation was 40.66%.
Expert commends government's initiative
Commending the NDDC, Justina Uwa, an agric-economist, told Legit.ng that focusing on rice and cassava farming is remarkable, as it will foster agricultural self-sufficiency and economic growth.
He said:
"By promoting these staple crops, government enhances food security, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. This initiative not only boosts rural economies but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
"It sets a precedent for other nations to prioritize agricultural innovation and investment, showcasing Nigeria's commitment to harnessing its agricultural potential for national development."
Four Nigerian agric-tech startups empowering farmers
In related news, Legit.ng reported how four Nigerian agricultural tech startups are empowering hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers.
In addition to empowering farmers, the startups have provided avenues for ordinary Nigerians to invest and make money from agriculture.
They have eliminated the fear of investing in the agricultural sector through technology and reduced the dependence on government intervention funds for farmers.
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Source: Legit.ng
