Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, has said that the state has nursed and distributed 1,500,000 improved palm seedlings to 1,200 small-holder farmers in the state.

The governor disclosed this on Thursday in Asaba while presenting the state’s 2022 budget proposal to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Okowa said that a total of 258 small-holder farmers were selected, trained and supported to cultivate 242 hectares of rice in the state.

”Three multi-level rice Mills were procured and given to three cooperative societies across the three senatorial districts of the state,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that 676 small-holder farmers were empowered with improved cassava cuttings and other agricultural inputs to cultivate 6,800 hectares of land in the state.

According to him, the state, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has supported the cultivation of additional 2,500,000 hectares of forest land.

”The state also purchased 116 new motorcycles to assist extension advisors for effective service delivery.

”The Delta Agricultural Rural Development Authority (DARDA) has also conducted more than 20 capacity building workshops to reposition the Frontline extension officers in the state,” he said.

Okowa also said that his administration has continued to give attention to the livelihood of citizens who are disadvantaged economically.

”We set up the widow’s register and we have commenced the payment of stipends to them. Currently, there are about 5,607 widows enrolled in the Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme.

”The widows are drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state and the 270 wards,” the governor stated.