Delta to launch Agro-preneurship programme this October, says Peterson ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

A revolutionary scheme tagged Agro-preneurship scheme , is set for launching this October , with the sole aim of teaching Deltans the credible alternatives to feeds for their livestock

The scheme which forms one of the dual planks of the novel Delta-preneurship programme which means "Delta people in business", is expected to reduce very considerably, the high costs associated with purchasing the regular feeds for sustaining chickens, goats and pigs and other livestock.

Disclosing this while speaking with newsmen in Agbor, headquarters of lka South local government area, the Special Adviser to the Government of Delta State on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr Donald Peterson, disclosed that under the first plank of the Delta-preneurship scheme which is Techpreneurship programme , well over 2,000 students are undergoing the training programme which has seven ( 7) modules , including Cyber security, for free, under a tripartite arrangement between D-Peterson Foundation, his office and the University of Delta, Agbor

The Special Adviser who said the cost of the Techpreneurship training for the 2,000 beneficiaries at #500,000 per module which translates to #3.5million for each student , is estimated at #7 billion

Peterson who said at the end of the training programme , the multiplier effects will translate to the graduands who will receive certification from UniDel, will see them not only starting their businesses , but becoming potential employers of labour which falls in line with Governor Oborevwori,s "Opportunities for all" plank of the MORE agenda

On the soon to be launched Agro-preneurship programme, Dr Peterson said that a programme called the "Black Soldier Flies ( BSF), which is the culture of raising maggots which are highly proteinous and better and cheaper alternatives to conventional feeds, will be introduced

Said the Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development : "With maggots, you will raise bigger , stronger , more healthier and better chickens, for almost zero cost. Fish also feed on maggots, ditto pigs. So for those people in that space of animal husbandry, the light has come ".

Dr Peterson also disclosed that for those who could feel irritated by the word and sight of maggots, another feed alternative called Azolla which is a water fern that grows on water and also highly proteinous for chicken , goats and pigs intake, will be introduced

Describing these alternative feed sources as "low hanging fruits, the Special Adviser said training programmes will be organized to train people on how to cultivate Azolla at the back of their houses either in basins or small ponds, adding that one beautiful feature of this wonder feed alternative, is that it replicates itself every 48 hours

On the recent approval by the state executive council presided over Governor Oborevwori , of a multi-million naira flyover project across the Uromi junction axis in Agbor, lka South headquarters, Peterson described the gesture as a welcome relief which will not only reinvigorate and boost economic activities around that axis , but will also ensure the safety of lives , recalling that hundreds of person's have lost their lives while crossing the ever busy road, over the years.

He added that apart from the aesthetics the project will bring to the area, it underscores the pro development mindset of Governor Oborevwori in ensuring that every area benefits from his administration,s developmental agenda

The Special Adviser also disclosed that apart from youth friendly programmes, his office is also charged with the task of making the elderly in the state resourceful and productive , while hinting of plans to launch a programme in that regard, that will engender their life sustainability, higher productivity and resourcefulness, going forward