By Okojie Francisca
The Edo State Government has assured women in the Agriculture sector of Collaboration for food security and its sustainability.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Peter Osagie, who was represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Haruna Thomas gave the assurance during a meeting with members of the Nigeria women for Agriculture and Progressive Development Initiative (NWADI) in the Agriculture Hub in Benin City.
He reiterated that the present administration of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo is determined to make the State a leading Agribusiness Hub in Nigeria, especially in enhancing agricultural development aimed at creating jobs, sustainable sources of livelihood, and guaranteeing food security.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is always ready to train farmers in various crop productions, stating that the ministry has professionals in various departments in agriculture.
“The State has different projects in Agriculture being set up by the World bank under the State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security such as FADAMA -N CARES, Edo Livestock Productivity, and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Edo Rural Agriculture and Market Access Promotion (Edo RAAMP), Livelihood improvement, Family Enterprises Nigeria Delta (LIFE-ND). He asked the women to collaborate with these projects and gain more knowledge to improve their farming activities.
Dr. Osagie assured the group of the ministry’s collaboration, stating that the ministry is not for policy making alone but also for implementing the policies of government in the agriculture sector of the state.
He disclosed that the State Government will continue to support and encourage farmers to improve and obtain modern technology in farming.
He urged the group to ensure they submit comprehensive data of farmers registered to the Ministry to enable them to benefit from the State Government when opportunities arise.
He also encouraged the women farmers not to neglect farming on cash crops, such as coconut, cocoa, and oil palm, stating that Edo State is known in cash crop productions and its value chain
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria women for Agriculture and Progressive Development Initiative (NWADI) Mrs. Tracy Agol thanked the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for granting their request to meet with them.
Mrs. Agol solicited the ministry’s collaboration and support so as to empower women and youths in agriculture for food security and sustainability.
She stressed the need for women to be trained in agriculture as it would create sustainable livelihoods and boost food security in the state.
She said a template would be presented to the Permanent Secretary, adding that women in all the Local Government Areas would be involved.
