Edo State distributes input to 1,734 farmers
The Edo State Government on Friday commenced the distribution of farm inputs and processing equipment to small-holder farmers across the seven local government areas that make up Edo South senatorial district.
The distribution was done through the State FADAMA CARES Programme and Federal Government Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Idehenre, flagging off the inputs distribution, said the gesture was part of efforts to boost food production and ensure a successful 2024 farming season in the state.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Peter Osagie, Idehenre said government, on April 12, distributed inputs to 471 small-holder farmers in five local government areas in Edo Central senatorial district.
“Today, as a follow up, a total number of 1,734 beneficiaries will be receiving inputs such as juvenile catfish, day-old- chicks and poultry feeds.
“Others are fish feeds agricultural assets, De-feathering machines, cassava milling machines, rice processing machines, motorised sprayers, grinding machines and tricycles,” he said.
The commissioner reaffirmed government’s commitment towards the agricultural sector, adding that the sector remained the cornerstone of the state economy.
In his welcome address, the Programme Manager, Edo ADP and State Coordinator FADAMA CARES programme, Dr Edward Izevbigie, thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering commitment to agriculture which, he said, had paved the way for the remarkable progress achieved.
Izevbigie noted that the Obaseki-led administration, in its quest for agricultural resilience, had engaged massively in the distribution of agricultural inputs and services, such as cassava stem cuttings, hybrid breed maize seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, fingerlings, day old chicks, animal feeds, fish feeds as well as advisory services.
“He has also rehabilitated feeder roads for easy farm access, provided rice processing mills, cassava processing mills, motorized sprayers, multipurpose grinders, mini de-feathering machines and tricycles for haulage of goods from farms through FADAMA CARES.
According to him, “as we embrace the spirit of this flag-off ceremony, let us do so with renewed vigor and determination, so, we could surmount the challenges of high food prices in our market places, combat hunger, poverty and malnutrition in Edo state.”
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator, IFAD LIFE-ND, John Omoruyi, said the input distribution would enhance and promote increased farm productivity that would guarantee food security and meet the MEGA agenda of the state government.
Omoruyi noted that IFAD’s LIFE-ND project was currently running in 100 communities and in 10 local government areas of the state.
“We are up scaling every technology being used to be Ecosystem friendly, hence the distribution of smart agricultural farming equipment and inputs to benefiting small-holder farmers.
“The project is also engaging women and youth in agriculture to ensure sustainability of the project in the state.”
According to him, the project accounts for over 5,920 beneficiaries and the good news is that the governor has approved another N140 million counterpart funds for the project to accommodate more small-holder farmers.
“This goes to show the interest and commitment the governor has in the agricultural sector and in the IFAD’s LIFE-ND project,” he added.
NAN / Foluke Ibitomi
