The Delta CARES FADAMA Program has extended its agricultural inputs distribution to its beneficiaries in communities in Okpe and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state.
The agricultural inputs distribution exercise, which was implemented recently during a two-day mission to Evwriyen in Okpe and Ekpan in Uvwie was consistent with the flag-off ceremony earlier performed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Emevor, Isoko North local government area, where various inputs including day old chicks, chicken feed and medicaments, fish fingerlings, fish feed and their medicaments, improved, high yield seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides were given to FADAMA beneficiaries.
The Emevor mission was later followed by another inputs distribution mission to Owa Ofie in Ika North East local government area where 70 farmers went home with various inputs.
According to the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen who doubles as the Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee “the agric inputs distribution activity is a statewide exercise targeting farmers across the three Senatorial Districts with the objectives of poverty reduction amongst our most vulnerable population and food security”.
The Commissioner made the statement during the mission to Evwriyen community where poultry farmers and cassava farmers were given their relevant inputs.
He reminded them that he was an emissary of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who ensured the State went into partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Government to see that the D-CARES Program became a reality for their benefit.
He added that the program has deliberately identified the real famers in their communities, hence the distribution at the community levels, urging them to utilize the inputs effectively as the seedlings were improved varieties sourced from IITA, Ibadan for maximum yield and given totally free to them.
The State Coordinator, D-CARES Program, Dr. (Mrs.) Pat Ogbewe, who was represented by the Head of Operations, Mr. Chris Onyenike said that FADAMA alone has impacted over 17,000 beneficiaries since inception and that appreciation should go to the State Governor who made it possible. He added that there will be periodic monitoring as is the normal practice of the D-CARES Program, to ensure compliance and success.
One of the beneficiaries, Theresa Okah, a member of the Ufuoma Cassava Farmers group was full of joy and praises for the Governor. She gave assurances that they will utilize the inputs accordingly, recognizing that it was for their own good.
At Ekpan Community, the State Project Coordinator, State FADAMA Coordination Office and Technical Head, D-CARES FADAMA Program, Tessy Omame expressed gratitude to the people for their support towards FADAMA activities. She added that she was hopeful that the 50 fish farmers and 20 poultry farmers receiving the relevant inputs, were set to change the local economy in Ekpan Community and improve the quality of living, in their families.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, who incidentally hails from Ekpan Community said he was proud to be representing Governor Oborevwori on the inputs distribution exercise and recognized that of all the venues so far visited, Ekpan has shown better organization and decorum but warned that the expectation of the government who has brought the inputs to them, is that they are applied judiciously for the purpose of self-reliance and food security.
The Chairman, Uvwie local government, represented by his Vice Chairman, Andrew Adagbo responded, insisting that the items were of immense benefit to his people and would be utilized as expected.
At both venues, Community leaders, aspiring beneficiaries and cultural groups were on hand to receive and entertain the D-CARES FADAMA contingent.
