Agriculture To Become Major Revenue Source In Delta

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delta State, Hon. Austin Chikezie, has disclosed that with the unparalleled interest which the current administration is demonstrating towards agriculture, the sector will soon become a viable source of revenue for the state government and its citizens.

Chikezie said that given the fact that the SMART Agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa revolves around agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, the state government will stop at nothing in ensuring that the sector is effectively revamped.

The commissioner, who spoke in an interview at Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, shortly after inspecting the state communal farm in the area, observed that with the reality of dwindling revenues, as occasioned by falls in oil prices, it will be wise for greater more focus to be given to the sector which, as he believed, is the leeway to speedy and even development of the state and the country in general.

“When you take a look at the governor’s SMART Agenda, you will see that agriculture is number one; and that s is why we are making painstaking efforts to explain to the people that agriculture is the focus of, not only the state government, but also, the Federal Government. Therefore, we have to put in our best to ensure that we begin to generate revenue from agriculture”, he said.

He added that government was prepared to assist farmers but, cannot just come in without knowing what has it is been on ground, saying “that is why I am here on this inspection and, having seen things myself, I will go back to ensure we assist them in many ways”.

Chikezie, however, noted that farmers and civil servants should, of necessity, change their poor attitude to work and work assiduously to ensure a quick realisation of the prosperity for all Deltans.

“They should begin to think of doing it in the right way; while the government is ready to come in and revamp the sector, the staff of the ministry and even farmers must fashion out better ways of doing things rather than reverting to the unproductive old order in which government business was seen as no man’s business”, he added