RICE PRODUCTION: Delta Govt allocates 74 hectres of land, seedlings, others to 37 youths


ASABA-IN continuation of its effort towards boosting rice production in the State, the Delta State Government, Monday allocated 74 hectres of land to 37 youths for cultivation of rain fed rice in Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.

The beneficiaries who are trainees of the 2016/ 2017 Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurial Programme, YAGEP of the State Government on rice farming, got two hectres of land, 140 kg of certified seedlings, cash allowance of N50,000 for incidentals each with a monthly stipend of N15,000 and among other other starter packs that will aid them in the rice cultivation

Presenting the packages to the YAGEP beneficiaries, the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa told them to see the empowerment as a stepping stone to their greatness, adding that the state government was determined to boost rice production in the state.

The Governor, who was represented by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh, congratulated them for the resilience through successfully completion of training, adding that the beneficiaries were the first set of "YAGEPreneurs to achieve the milestone of rice cultivation". He said that the rice when harvested would be branded "Delta YAGEP Rice".

The Governor said "So far, 74 hectares of land have been given. The government will help with mechanized land preparation, mechanized planting of seeds and harvesting of paddy. We are expecting nothing less than 300 metric tons of paddy."

Also, the State Commissioner for Agrifulture, Mr Austin's Chikezie who was represented by Mr Pius Okonjo told the beneficiaries to count themselves fortunate to be part of the empowerment programme, saying that the Okowa led government is out to reduce unemployment in the state.


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