In combating food challenge in the state, Deltans have been tasked to take responsibility towards transforming the food systems, Agric-business and food value chain development.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon, Ada Val Arenyeka made this known during the during the celebration of the 2024 World Food Day, with the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future” at the Cenotaph, Asaba.
Areyenka said the annual event which is celebrated worldwide every 16th day of October offers a platform for stakeholders to evaluate the nature and extent of world food prospects and problems and to have them put in place measures at the sub-national, national and international levels to end hunger, malnutrition and poverty and ensure food security.
He said with the definitely global hunger, security issues, climate change and distortion in supply chains which have together hampered progress in food security, there was need for government, private companies, financial institutions, farmers, civil society organizations, academia, women and youth to support farming in the state.
He revealed that the governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori since assumption to office has empowered 6,000 farmers through the Delta Cares programme and another round of support coming via the AUDA-NEPAD Programme with 2,000 farmers as beneficiaries, adding that the forth coming dry season farming was another project in perspective.
The Commissioner urged Deltans to cross-fertilize ideas, learn new approach to farming techniques and increase food production in the state where right to foods for a better life and better future is guaranteed.
Areyenka implored all stakeholders to join hands with the government to implement the MORE AGENDA where food is in surplus for consumption and exportation.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Sir Austin Oghoro urged Deltans to engage in farminig, irrespective of what they do as a means of livelihood as agriculture was the sure way to overcoming the current economic hardship in the country.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme has ascribed climate change, low level of technology adoption, unwarranted attack on farmlands by unscrupulous elements, distortions in input supply chain and absence of farmer’s education as some of the challenges to food security.
He however said machineries have been put in place to ensure that farmers conducted their businesses without let or hindrances.
He said his administration was committed to encouraging smart agriculture and implementing the Delta State Government Livestock Management Law and steady supply of agricultural inputs to farmers e.g. seedlings, seeds, agro chemicals, feeds and fertilizers.
The governor said food insecurity and malnutrition are some of the specific areas that government at all levels should address to achieve zero hunger by the year 2030.
He said in realization of the object of the theme of the year’s World Food Day celebration, the State Government had set up a committee on Food Security, adding that the MANR has concluded arrangements to supply inputs to about 1,000 farmers in cassava and rice production in the next dry season farming.
He enjoined everyone to engage in one form of farming or the other, for instance crops, livestock and fisheries production, and also to utilize our savings to invest in agribusiness to boost aggregate output, ensure sustainable food supply and eliminate hunger in our land.
