Asaba – The Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Delta, Mr Felix Kehis, says 1,500 oil palm farmers will benefit from the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) programme in the state.

Kehis made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Sunday.

He said the programme, which would commence on May 19, was meant to increase and strengthen the production of oil palm in the state.

The director said that each beneficiary would receive 50 improved oil palm seedlings, two bags of fertilisers and agro-chemicals, to enhance its cultivation.

“We are selecting no fewer than 1,500 oil palm farmers in the state as beneficiaries of the special GES programme.

“Each farmer will receive 50 seedlings, two bags of fertilisers and agro-chemical at a total cost of N6, 362,” he said.

Kehis also said that a special GES programme for livestock farmers would be rolled out in the state.

He said the ministry had penciled 300 sheep and goat farmers, 100 poultry farmers and 60 pig farmers to benefit from the programme.

“These groups are going to be reached with special inputs and are going to be closely monitored to ensure that they deliver,” he said. (NAN)