Douye Diri Launches Dry Season Farming Initiative, Ends Cash Handouts for Bayelsa Farmers

According to reports on 21th of December, 2024, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has launched an ambitious dry season farming initiative while announcing the cessation of cash incentives to farmers in the state. ...CONTINUE READING>>>

The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost agricultural productivity and promote self-reliance among farmers. Governor Diri explained that the decision to discontinue cash payments was necessary to shift the focus toward sustainable farming practices and reduce dependency on financial handouts.

Speaking during the launch of the dry season farming program in Yenagoa, the governor emphasized the importance of agriculture in diversifying the state’s economy. “Our commitment is to empower our farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed. It is time to move away from the culture of cash incentives, which has not yielded the desired results. Instead, we will provide tangible support in the form of equipment, seeds, fertilizers, and access to irrigation systems,” Diri stated.

The governor highlighted that dry season farming offers immense potential for food security and job creation in Bayelsa, a state heavily reliant on oil revenues. He noted that with the right support, farmers could utilize the off-peak season to cultivate crops such as rice, maize, and vegetables, reducing the dependence on imported food and stabilizing local food prices. He added, “We are leveraging our abundant water resources to make dry season farming a viable and profitable venture. This initiative is not just about farming; it is about transforming lives and ensuring the long-term prosperity of our state.”

Farmers in the state expressed mixed reactions to the policy shift. While some welcomed the emphasis on tangible support, others voiced concerns about the abrupt end of cash incentives, which they argued had provided immediate relief during planting seasons. A farmer from Southern Ijaw, Mary Torubor, said, “The equipment and fertilizers are good, but many of us depend on the cash incentives for daily farming expenses. The government needs to ensure that these new measures reach the grassroots effectively.”