Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for farmers and private investors to expand agricultural businesses and create jobs.
Governor Oborevwori stated this on Saturday during inspection visits to Tatcha Farms in Okuloho, Okpe Local Government Area, and Amity Global Farms and Manroy Livestock Farms at Ohorhe 1, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The governor said government support for businesses would not necessarily come through direct financial intervention, but through the provision of critical infrastructure, improved electricity supply and other incentives needed to enable enterprises to thrive.
He said the state’s recent Economic and Investment Summit was aimed at showcasing Delta’s investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, while attracting both local and international investors.
Oborevwori disclosed that the state’s economic team had been directed to inspect farms and other businesses across the state to identify their challenges and determine areas with potential for expansion.
According to him, a 33kV electricity project has been awarded to improve power supply to farms and businesses in the affected areas, while ongoing road projects would enhance access to farming communities and markets.
The governor also promised the construction of an access road linking the Warri-Sapele Expressway to the community where Amity Global Farms is located.
He stressed that the state’s agricultural intervention would extend to small-scale farmers, assuring that fertiliser and other farm inputs would be distributed to genuine farmers.
Oborevwori warned beneficiaries against reselling government-provided agricultural inputs, urging civil servants and residents to embrace farming as a means of creating employment, strengthening food security and reducing crime.
The Chief Executive Officer of Tatcha Farms Limited, Olorogun Alfred Mrakpor, thanked the governor for inspecting the farm, saying the visit provided an opportunity to highlight its contributions to food production, job creation and agricultural development.
At Amity Global Farms, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Idama Amurun, disclosed that the company was exploring partnerships with Brazilian investors and the Delta State Government to expand cassava production and establish processing industries.
Amurun said cassava could be processed into industrial starch, ethanol and other products, with significant potential for employment creation.
He said the farm currently employs more than 300 workers and cultivates crops including pepper and cucumber.
He, however, identified inadequate financing, delays in the supply of day-old chicks, limited facilities and accommodation, as well as access to land, as some of the challenges restricting the farm’s expansion.