Diri Orders Mass Rice Production, Approves N200m Monthly Grant For Farmers

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, to ensure an increase in the production of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026.

In furtherance of his administration’s desire to develop the sector, the governor approved a monthly grant of N200 million to farmers in the state.

Speaking at the state-owned rice farm in the Otuasega community of Ogbia Local Government Area yesterday, during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 dry farming season, Governor Diri expressed dissatisfaction with the rice harvest in the previous farming season.

The governor stated that, having provided the necessary support to the ministry and the farmers, he was not satisfied that the state still procured rice from outside during the Yuletide season.

He also challenged the commissioner to ensure food security, noting that the state had a comparative advantage in many crop areas and its soil does not require fertiliser to produce organic crops.

He, however, lauded the commissioner and stakeholders in the sector for organising the event and urged the ministry to ensure that it was not just a yearly ritual but also one that impacted positively on the lives of Bayelsans.

According to the governor, agriculture was a veritable source of diversification, which the state government had taken seriously by investing heavily in it.

He urged civil servants and all Bayelsans to be involved in agriculture.

Governor Diri also stated that the linkage between roads, bridges, and agriculture was that the administration was not only connecting rural communities through this infrastructure but also providing valuable support to the agricultural sector and making the transportation of farm produce from rural areas to the state capital easier.

He also approved a request for a meeting with farmers as well as the provision of farming inputs such as seedlings, herbicides and pesticides to improve production.

On the issue of herdsmen destroying farmlands, Diri cautioned traditional rulers against providing land for herders in the forest, stating that anyone found guilty would be sanctioned.

His words, “Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people, and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will remain a top priority of my administration.

“Agriculture is a veritable source of diversification.  Agriculture strengthens our economy.

“Transportation of produce from rural communities to the state capital is crucial, and that is why we are investing in agriculture and connecting communities. The roads and bridges support agriculture.

“We have developed partnerships and collaboration, and we will continue to partner with other agencies to ensure that Bayelsa attains the expected food security.

“All our workers, too, must participate in agriculture, as it should be a culture. We need to reverse the current situation. Now, let our neighbours come and buy from us. It is a call to action.

“My directive to the Commissioner for Agriculture is that by the end of 2026, we should expect 300,000 kilogrammes of rice. I do not want to continue to buy rice from outside Bayelsa State for our people. The producers and the government will buy from you.

“On the issue of herdsmen, they do not live on our farms. What is correct is that they move and destroy crops. Let me reiterate that our anti-grazing law remains in effect. Contact any security agency in cases of herdsmen destruction rather than going to social media.

“Let me warn our traditional rulers who give herdsmen land in our forests that anyone caught will be sanctioned. Bayelsa must be safe, and we must all contribute to its safety.

“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable commissioner, identify the true farmers in the state, and what I was doing for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. So, N200 million monthly will now be set aside to support our farmers.”

In his remarks, Prof. Beke Sese stated that the event was a reaffirmation of the state government’s unwavering commitment to food security.

He commended the governor for his huge investment in the agric sector, saying it has been the driving force behind the success being celebrated.