The Delta Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, says the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project has deployed infrastructure worth more than N6 billion since its inception in the state.
Arenyeka disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Friday during the World Food Day celebration in Asaba.
He also said that no fewer than 12,000 incubatees had been trained and empowered across 10 selected local government areas of the state.
“The LIFE-ND Project has trained more than 12,000 incubatees in best farming practices and empowered them to establish their own businesses across the state.
“The project has provided infrastructure, including solar-powered boreholes, open and lock-up stalls, oil palm processing mills and poultry pens, among others, worth more than N6 billion across the state.
“One of the critical components of agriculture in Delta today is the LIFE-ND Project,” he said.
The commissioner said the theme of this year’s World Food Day, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” was critical to agricultural development and efforts to address food insecurity in the country.
According to him, farming has become more scientific, with methods evolving significantly over the years.
“So, we encourage farmers to embrace innovation and science. If you look around, most of the products we have today are products of innovation.
“This is because most farmers are now using best farming practices to produce food,” he said.
Also, the State Coordinator of the LIFE-ND Project, Mr Collins Ashoro, said the project’s activities aligned with the theme of World Food Day, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
He said LIFE-ND had contributed significantly to food security through interventions in four areas: poultry, fisheries, cassava production and oil palm processing, including their value chains in the state.
According to Ashoro, LIFE-ND had adopted an incubation model to equip and train incubatees to boost production and increase the state’s food supply.
He said the project showcased green peppers, habanero peppers, vegetables, garri, palm oil and other products at the event.
The LIFE-ND Project is sponsored by the Federal Government, participating state governments, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) across nine states in the Niger Delta region.
