Chief Austin Chikezie, Delta Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources has said that no fewer than 1,984 farmers have been empowered under the Fadama III programme in the state.
Chikezie, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba, said the beneficiaries were from the five Local Government Areas that were not covered earlier in the programme.
He said that Fadama III, in collaboration with the State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) and the State Government, also created 1,738 indirect jobs for the people.
The commissioner said that government, through the programme, introduced and distributed bio-fortified cassava cuttings to farmers.
“The state government introduced and distributed the new improved pro-vitamin A and Beta Carotene Cassava cuttings to farmers in the state after training.
“Also, government distributed Knapsack sprayers, agro-chemicals, insecticides and fertilizers free to the trained farmers,” he said.
Chikezie noted that Fadama III project was designed to address the re-occurring national economic challenges of low productivity, poverty, food insecurity and low income largely found among the rural farming population.
“The project was earlier executed in 20 LGAs in the state. Currently, the project is being executed in the remaining five LGAs in collaboration with SEEFOR.
“Over 1,984 farmers have been empowered and the collaborations has also created 1, 738 indirect jobs in the state” he added. (NAN)
