By Peace Temisan Osemwegie and Oakhiena Grace Francis
The Edo State government has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the agricultural sector by distributing agricultural inputs to farmers across the three senatorial districts in the State.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the prestigious Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Complex on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Mr. Sunny Erhunmwonsere, the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), commended the government’s proactive measures in addressing the escalating food prices in Edo State through consistent support to farmers.
Addressing the attendees, Mr. Erhunmwonsere stated, “What we are doing today is symbolic and just the beginning; there will be more inputs from time to time. These inputs you’re receiving are a testament to the State Government’s unwavering commitment to bridging the gap in food supply.”
Highlighting the government’s continuous efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, the Permanent Secretary revealed that the state government has generously approved the expansion of a cluster on the ministry’s 20-hectare plot of land at ADP. This expansion aims to promote vegetable farming and fish farming. He urged the beneficiaries to maximize the inputs provided and utilize them to their full capacity.
Earlier during the event, Mrs. Adeola Oboro-Egonmwan, the Director of Planning Policy and Research of MAFS, emphasized that the program was designed to support farmers in improving their practices to increase yields and ensure a thriving economy for Edo State.
In a goodwill message, Alhaji Bako E. Dogwo, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), acknowledged the measures put in place by the association to mitigate the impact of open grazing on crops. He informed the audience that cattle in the state are now branded with codes for easy identification, enabling farmers to report any incidents of cattle or herders destroying their farms. The association is committed to taking appropriate sanctions against such offenders.
Prominent organizations including Heifer International, Marc George, Cashew Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), and the National Programme for Food Security were also present at the event, underscoring the collective commitment to enhancing food security in Edo State.
The distributed farming inputs encompassed a diverse range of resources, including cassava processing machines, fish kill machines, mobile catfish ponds, manual watering cans, wheelbarrows, fertilizers, herbicides, and improved seedlings such as rice seedlings, polyclonal cashew, breadfruit, African red Apple, and oil palm seedlings.
In total, about 150 farmers received farming inputs at the ADP complex on the day. With the Edo State government’s resolute efforts and strategic initiatives, the agricultural sector is poised for substantial growth, ensuring improved food security and a flourishing economy for the state and its citizens.
