The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured local farmers in Edo State of its continued support to sustain the commission’s agricultural programme, targeted at growing rice and cassava to boost food security and sufficiency across the Niger Delta states.

Speaking at the inaugural harvest of the NDDC Rice and Cassava  farmers Empowerment Progamme at Warrake, Owan  East Local Council, Edo State, the Managing Director of  NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the NDDC rice and cassava farmers empowerment progamme is a celebration of her joint accomplishment  and the harvest of rice from the first farm of the NDDC’s empowerment programme.
Represented by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries in NDDC, Dr. Winifred Madume, Ogbuku said the inaugural harvest is a significant day in the history of agricultural progammes in the region.

He said it is significant for the all-round success of the farm and the adoption of full mechanisation from land preparation to harvest, as well as the adoption of good agronomy practice.

“We can also see that the season is not stopping the programme as work continues even into our short dry season. The lesson learnt from this inaugural farm and others currently at various stages will support our efforts in continuous improvement.

“During the onboarding programme in June, we assured everyone that this programme will be successful.  Today, this harvest serves as a milestone in a journey that is far from complete, but has certainly taken off on a strong footing, “Ogbuku said.