CHAPTER 9: State of Agriculture in Rivers State During Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amachi
Abstract
Rivers State came into being on 27th May, 1967. From inception, Port Harcourt, also known as the Garden City of Nigeria has remained the capital because of its year round vegetation that gives rise to its scenic beauty.
The State occupies a territorial space of 12,240 square kilometers and is located at the southern tip of the coastal region of Nigeria.
Its topography is flat plains, with a network of rivers, rivulets and tributaries. it has an estimated population of over 4,654,624 hospitable and business friendly people witl. rich, unique cultural heritage. Rivers State accounts for over 48% of onshore petroleum oil, the single biggest source of Natural gas in the country.
In addition to oil and gas, the State also has the following : agricultural, forest, mineral, water and other aquatic resources including a high biodiversity of plants and animals uniquetoit.
The Ministry of Agriculture has the responsibility of promoting farmer friendly agricultural polices with a view to achieving food security, eradicating poverty, developing the rural economy and protecting the environment.
