| Agriculture in River state | |
| Type: | Farming |
| Employment Field: | Agriculture |
Agriculture in Rivers State is an important branch of the economy of Rivers State, Nigeria. It is the main source of livelihood for the rural people. Agriculture creates employment, provides income and helps curb out-migration.[1] The industry in the state is overseen by the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture.
Prior to the Discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 1951, Agriculture was the Primary occupation of the people of Rivers State. Around 19th century when the industrial revolution reached its peak in England, the area was then referred to as Oil Rivers Protectorate, this was due to its abundant palm oil and kernel which basically constituted the main revenue source of the country.[2] In a sample survey carried out by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, about 40% of the rural inhabitants were committed to farming in 1983.[3]
Rivers State is one of the leading States in the production of yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize, rice and beans. About 39% (760,000 hectares) of the state's total land mass, particularly in the upland area, is suitable for cultivation. Major cash crops produced are oil palm products, rubber, coconut, raffia palm and jute. Other crops grown for food include, vegetables, melon, pineapples, mango, pepper, banana and plantain.[3]
The fishing industry is a thriving sector in Rivers State. Besides being lucrative, fishing is also a favorite pastime activity. There are approximately 270 species of fish existing; with many artisanal fishermen in the riverine areas. The state provides valuable seafoods such as crabs, oysters, shrimps and sea snails among others.
The project’s diverse agricultural production activities will generate an improved, higher-value fresh and Processed food supply, value chain development, market driven service, employment, and regional economic growth.[4]
The Songhai Rivers Initiative Farm (SRIF) combines livestock, aquaculture and agro-tourism.[5] The centre serves as a place of excellence for training, production, research, demonstration as well as development of sustainable agricultural practices. SRIF was set up in partnership with Songhai International Centre Porto Novo. The project is located on a 314 hectare of farm land at Bunu in Tai local government area.[6] [7]
There are different units through which the SRIF executes its functions. These units include:
Other units are broilers production, cassava processing unit, feed mill, rice mill, machines production, stabilised bricks production, free range poultry, plantain farm, pineapple, vegetable garden, cassava and moringa cultivation units. More units designed for future production at the centre include coconut, animal feeds, mango for chips and juice, orange for juice and input for animal processing and snail production.[8]
In recent times, the farm has been dormant and the Rivers State Government had to swing into action to woo investors to the farm. The Governor Siminalayi Fubara led administration promised to revive the farm to create food in the state and also provide employment opportunities for the Rivers people.[9] [10]
The Rivers State Government pledge to change and bring more development to agriculture sector in River State using the Songhai farm.[11]
On the 27th of June, there is proposed for the establishment of solar powered farm in the state, in other to increase and improve agriculture growth and food production/security in River state.[12]