Kenneth Obieh
The Delta State Government, through the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme, has flagged off the 5th phase of agricultural inputs distribution to farmers in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee( SCSC) Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, emphasized Government’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting economic resilience.
“This event is not just about distributing inputs, it is about deepening our support to the very people who sustain our food systems; our hardworking farmers,” Ekedayen said.
He revealed that the programme is to support farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, and other critical inputs to boost productivity and ensure food security.
According to Ekedayen, the distribution builds on the 17,380 beneficiaries who have already benefited from the programme.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Edmund Orioko, highlighted the programme’s positive impact, noting that many farmers are already showing positive results from the report of their extension officers.
“The agricultural inputs provided to the beneficiaries will have far-reaching impacts in their lives, including growing more food, earning higher incomes, and achieving independence,” he said.
The State Coordinator of Delta CARES programme, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, thanked the State Governor for his keen support of the amazing world bank assisted program that is changing lives across the state with immense testimonials.
Lady Ogbewe disclosed that apart from the FADAMA platform, there are other delivery platforms impacting lives under the D-CARES intervention while revealing that the NG-CARES program is operational in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory. She further assured other members of the community not yet benefiting to be patient as plans are on ground to increase the number of beneficiaries in the next phase.
The Executive Assistant to the governor on Beautification, Chief Emmanuel Erezih, who is from Emevor, urged the recipients to maximize the utilization of the farm inputs, prioritizing long-term sustainability to make them self reliance.