Towards strengthening food security across Delta State, the State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources has urged the State Ministry of Agriculture to step up its efficiency and deliver improved food production in 2026.
Chairman of the Committee and Chief Whip of the Assembly, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, gave the charge when the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Val Areyenka, appeared before the lawmakers to defend the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal.
Hon. Umukoro, who represents Sapele Constituency, described agriculture as a critical driver of economic growth, stressing the need for the ministry to exceed its 2025 performance in the next fiscal year.
Flanked by other committee members, including Hon. Isaac Anwuzia, Hon. Augustine Uroye, and Hon. Alfred Martin, the Chief Whip urged the ministry’s leadership not to relent in efforts to strengthen the sector.
Hon Umukoro assured of enhanced synergy between the Lawmakers and the Ministry in the 2026 and charged the Commissioner and his team to do same in that regard.
In his response, the Commissioner incharge of the Ministry, Val Areyenka reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural landscape in the 2026 fiscal year.
He said the proposed budget is a strategic instrument designed to consolidate ongoing reforms and open new frontiers for agribusiness development.
A key component of the 2026 agricultural vision, the Commissioner disclosed, is the introduction of modern ranching systems for cattle rearers.
Areyenka explained that the initiative stems from the state’s recent agricultural mission to Brazil, where officials were exposed to global best practices in livestock management.
According to him, the ranching model will help reduce farmer-herder conflicts, boost livestock productivity, and enhance overall food security.
Areyenka added that the ministry is also prioritizing the strengthening of security architecture within farm settlements, noting that securing farmers and their investments remains vital to achieving meaningful progress.
He expressed optimism that with adequate funding, effective stakeholder collaboration and support, Delta State is well positioned for unprecedented growth in agriculture in the coming year.