Delta to invest N326million to boost cassava, palm oil production

The Delta State government has proposed to spend the sum of N326million in the production of cassava, rice and oil palm in the 2016 fiscal year.

The state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa made the disclosure in his 2016 budget estimate to the state house of assembly.

According to the governor, there are over 4,780 fish farmers in the state and measures are currently underway to effectively regulate its practice.

The governor noted that the state is blessed with huge potentials and capacity in the production of rubber, oil palm, rice, yam, cassava, maize, potato, plantain, tomato and fish.

He added that the state government has resolved to emphasize on oil palm, cassava and aqua-culture value chain development as well as encouraged the cultivation of crops like tomato and rice.

He also noted that fish farming has become a major source of employment for the people of the state assuring that his administration would continue to promote the growth and development of fisheries activities through fisheries surveillance and direct assistance to the fish farmers.

Okowa further posited that under the state Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) a total of 256 trainees are currently undergoing internship in a total of 40 private farms covering piggery, poultry, fishery and crop production.

He also disclosed that 3,600 smallholder farmers and agro-processors as well as individuals or groups are participating in the Production and Processing Support Programme.

He said the two programmes are under the job and wealth creation of the SMART agenda of his administration.