Delta state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje has disclosed that less than 69,000 farmers were registered for the Federal Government Agricultural Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) out of the targeted 150,000 farmers in the state.

Ukubeyinje, who said that registered farmers would receive two bags of fertilisers each after paying 50 per cent of the cost explained that redemption centres had been set up in the 25 local government areas for the collection of fertilisers and seedlings.

He further said that apart from receiving the fertilizers, registered farmers will also get 40kg of maize and 50kg of rice seedlings each for free as part of the GES programme.

Meanwhile, a top official of the Ministry of Agriculture, Felix Kehis revealed that further registration for the 2012 GES Programme had closed, but that those participating in the on-going registration exercise will benefit in the 2013 season.