January 16, (THEWILL) – The Republic of South Korea has bolstered Bayelsa State’s agricultural sector with the donation of mechanised farming equipment valued at over $500,000.
The items, which include four tractors, two rice transplanting machines, a rice seeding machine, 10,000 rice seed beds, and four 10-tonne-per-day rice mills, were officially handed over to the Bayelsa State government on Thursday.
The ceremony took place at the School-to-Land Farm complex in Yenagoa.
Presenting the equipment, South Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Rear Admiral Kim Pankyu (retd.), highlighted the donation as part of a strategic agricultural partnership between his country and Bayelsa State.
Amb. Pankyu lauded Bayelsa’s conducive soil and climate for rice cultivation and expressed optimism that the equipment, coupled with training for local personnel, would significantly boost rice production in the state.
Pankyu said, “This event underscores the agricultural cooperation between both governments.
“The governor visited South Korea last year at the invitation of our government, exploring opportunities for collaboration in agriculture.
Korea is promoting rice farming in Bayelsa by providing $500,000 worth of agricultural equipment. This support will undoubtedly advance Bayelsa’s agricultural agenda.”
In his response, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the donation as a major milestone in the partnership between Bayelsa and South Korea.
He emphasised that the gesture aligns with his administration’s vision of achieving food security and fostering economic growth.
Diri pointed out that the training of local farmers and the provision of advanced equipment would enhance productivity and empower residents through technology transfer.
He also called on investors to leverage the state’s abundant resources and peaceful environment for agricultural and industrial investments.
Diri said, “The partnership between Bayelsa and South Korea is a game-changer for our agricultural sector.
“This handover of equipment and rice planting demonstration is just the beginning. We will continue to explore opportunities that create employment and stimulate economic development in Bayelsa.”
He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to procure additional farming equipment and urged TYM Machinery, a Korean company, to establish a manufacturing plant in the state to further boost local job creation.
At a state banquet held on Wednesday night at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Governor Diri conferred honorary Bayelsa citizenship on Amb. Pankyu in recognition of South Korea’s role in the state’s development.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
