BAYELSA GOVT TO EMPOWER SOILLESS FARMERS
The Bayelsa State government has announced plans to support trainees of its Soilless Farming Scheme to boost food production and food security in the state. Governor Douye Diri made this known on Wednesday when he received 180 soilless farming trainees at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the farmers were trained in Ogun State by the Bayelsa government in collaboration with Master Card. Governor Diri emphasized that his administration prioritizes food security, aiming to produce food not only for Bayelsans but also for other states. Daniel Alabrah stated that Governor Diri tasked the trainees not to disappoint the government, as they have a great role to play in technical farming in the state. The governor also announced the setup of a committee comprising the Commissioners for Agriculture, Finance, and Youth Development to ensure the trainees practice what they learned. Alabrah noted that Governor Diri urged the trainees to make good use of their training to become self-employed and train others. The governor applauded MasterCard and the Commissioner for Youth Development for facilitating the program. In a statement, Governor Diri said, “We know the importance of agriculture and food, and we want to produce food to feed Bayelsa people and even beyond. You are our next generation of technical farmers in our state.” Daniel Alabrah stated that the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, thanked the governor for approving the training of the youths. Kemepado expressed optimism that the application of the training would enhance the quest for food security in the state. One of the beneficiaries, Tari Adamawa, stated that they were trained in farming techniques that require the use of any available space. Adamawa said, as pioneers of soilless farming from Bayelsa, they are ready to put the knowledge acquired into practice to enhance food security in the state.