Bayelsa State Government has flagged off a new round of support for rice farmers as part of efforts to revive large-scale rice farming and strengthen food security across the state.
The distribution exercise, carried out by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, took place in Peremabiri, Ekowe, and Ikoromogbene communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Professor Beke Sese, said the intervention was designed to improve rice production ahead of the new planting season and support local farmers with the tools needed to increase harvests.
According to him, the state government is focused on rebuilding Bayelsa’s agricultural sector through practical investments that will encourage food production and reduce dependence on imported food supplies.
Professor Sese described Peremabiri as one of the major rice-producing communities in Bayelsa with strong agricultural potential despite years of setbacks that affected farming activities in the area.
He said the successes recorded during the last farming season encouraged the Ministry to expand support for farmers in the community and other surrounding areas.
“The distribution of rice seedlings and farm equipment is part of Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to empowering rural farmers, improving food production, and promoting sustainable agriculture across Bayelsa State,” the Commissioner stated.
The intervention included the distribution of FARO 71 and FARO 72 rice seedlings, wheelbarrows, pumping machines, knapsack sprayers, hoes, and machetes to farmers in the benefiting communities.
Also speaking, the Amananaowei of Peremabiri Community, His Royal Highness Wisdom Ogirigi, said the community was once recognised as a major rice-producing area in the 1960s before crises disrupted farming operations.
He noted that Peremabiri had the capacity to supply rice beyond Bayelsa State to other parts of West Africa during its peak years.
The traditional ruler commended Governor Douye Diri for supporting the revival of rice farming in the area and expressed confidence that farmers would record improved harvests with the renewed government support.
Some beneficiaries of the programme, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Progressive Rice Farmers Association of Peremabiri Community, Mr. Humphrey Jeremiah, alongside representatives from Ekowe and other communities, described the intervention as timely.
They also appealed to the state government to fully revive the Peremabiri Rice Farm, regarded by many residents as one of the largest rice farms in West Africa.
