NDDC’s Rice Harvest In Edo Signals Boost To Niger Delta Food Security

Warrake, Edo State – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has completed the inaugural harvest of its Rice and Cassava Farmers Empowerment Programme in Warrake, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The event marks a significant milestone in the commission’s efforts to enhance food security in the Niger Delta region.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, hailed the project as a success story, highlighting the farmers’ enthusiasm and the adoption of fully mechanised farming techniques from land preparation to harvesting.

He emphasised the programme’s resilience, continuing operations even during the short dry season.

The programme, launched on June 5th, 2024, initially faced scepticism from participating communities due to past disappointments with similar initiatives.

However, the successful harvest in Warrake, along with ongoing projects in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, demonstrates the programme’s viability.

Dr Ogbuku stressed the NDDC’s commitment to all-season farming across the Niger Delta, aided by the receding floodwaters.

The NDDC consultant, Mr. Dimieari Kennedi, outlined the programme’s ambition to restore the Niger Delta’s position as a leading agricultural region, particularly in rice and cassava production.

The Warrake rice farm, covering 98 hectares with 50 hectares under cultivation, serves as a model for future expansion.

Traditional Ruler HRH Alimu Ogbeidu, represented by Mr. Von Dinieri Kennedy and Chief Mustapha Orogho, emphasised the importance of food security and appealed to the Federal Government for greater farmer protection.

The community also requested the NDDC to construct an access road to the farm for improved accessibility.

Dr Ogbuku expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the Niger Delta’s sustainable development and focus on national food security.

He also thanked the Warrake community, farmers, and the project consultant for their contributions to the successful harvest.

The proceeds from the harvest will be reinvested to sustain the programme and benefit the participating farmers.

The NDDC plans to leverage the lessons learned from this inaugural harvest to further improve the programme’s effectiveness across the Niger Delta region.