NDDC trains rice farmers

No fewer than 300 farmers have been trained in theoretical and practical aspects of rice production, processing, and entrepreneurship by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

The farmers, according to a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, were also given a starter pack worth N200,000.00.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the second batch of its capacity building programme for the rice farmers on commercial scale in Umuahia, Abia State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated the commission’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable economic driver in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, stated that the programme would equip farmers with essential skills in modern rice farming techniques, processing, and agribusiness strategies.

He urged the participants to leverage their knowledge to enhance rice production, establish cooperatives, and explore further partnerships with relevant agencies and financial institutions.

The Deputy Director of Agriculture & Fisheries, Mr. Wale Oretan, encouraged the beneficiaries to apply their knowledge effectively and reinvest the empowerment support packages they received into their enterprises.

In her remarks, the President of the Abia State Rice Farmers Association, Mrs. Uzoma Ochulo, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, pledging to replicate the training in their various communities.

The training coordinator, Prof Lovina Odoemelam of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, commended the NDDC for its efforts and urged the ommission to follow up on the beneficiaries to ensure the initiative’s sustainability.