Anna George
Bayelsa State on Thursday welcomed a delegation from the French Embassy, led by Dr. Sonia Darracq, the Regional Agricultural Counsellor for West Africa, alongside a team of successful agro-business entrepreneurs.
The visit aimed to explore collaborative opportunities and understand Bayelsa’s agricultural strategies under Governor Douye Diri’s administration.
The delegation began their visit at the Ministry of Agriculture, where they were received by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Bekei Sese, Permanent Secretary Dr. Wisdom Ebiye, Human Resources Director Mr. Agulata Geoffrey, and all ministry directors.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Darracq outlined the French Embassy’s objectives, stating: “Our focus is to understand Bayelsa’s agro-business strategies and project timelines. We are eager to partner with the state to drive sustainable agricultural development.”
In response, Prof. Sese highlighted Bayelsa’s rich agricultural potential, describing the state as fertile enough to feed its people and even export produce. However, he noted challenges such as limited contiguous farmland and seasonal flooding, which hinder agricultural growth.
“We are keen on exploring scientific solutions for year-round farming,” Prof. Sese explained.
The commissioner identified potential areas for collaboration, including ogbono farming, coconut production, and the expansion of rice and palm oil production. He also presented four pillars for partnership: agricultural input, production, processing, and marketing.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Bayelsa Agricultural Prosperity Plan, a five-year roadmap for transforming the state’s agro-business sector.
The delegation later visited the Deputy Governor’s Office, where they were received by His Excellency, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on behalf of Governor Douye Diri.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the link between agricultural development and industrial growth, stating: “Our focus areas include rice production, fish farming, plantain farming, and cassava cultivation. We are ready to partner with external bodies like the French Government to transform our agricultural sector.”
A tour of the Bayelsa Palm Plantation followed. This 2,000-hectare facility, initially established during the old Rivers State era, currently produces fewer than 3,000 bunches of palm fruit weekly.
Both the commissioner and the French delegation expressed regret over the plantation’s dilapidated state but shared optimism about its revival through a Bayelsa-French partnership.
“This plantation reflects the immense agricultural potential of Bayelsa State,” Dr. Darracq remarked, expressing hope for significant improvement with French collaboration.
The day’s engagements are set to conclude with a dinner involving local agro-entrepreneurs, further cementing ties and exploring pathways for enhanced agricultural development in Bayelsa.