By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Federal Government has directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to make available some machines, seeds and chemicals in its stores to a rice farmer in Bayelsa State at subsidized rates.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, who gave this directive, explained that this is to help solve the identified problems in the farm he visited and to enable optimal production.
Mr Lokpobiri was recently on a visit to Peremabiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to inspect facilities at Tanko Boss Farm, where they plant rice and process it.
The Minister, who was impressed by the brilliant effort of the farmer and the level of output in spite of the numerous production and processing challenges faced at the farm, observed severe hard labour on the farm.
He noted that the farm could produce a lot more than its current output if suitable machines and certified seeds were applied and made available to the owner.
During the visit, the farmer expressed gratitude to the federal government and the Minister for taking his time to visit the farm and for the intervention.
The Minister was accompanied by the Director and Deputy Director, Federal Department of Rural Development, the Director, Minister of State Office, Regional and State Directors of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in the South South.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya