Nigeria: The Edo state government is working towards developing the agriculture sector of the country. The aim of the administration is to enhance the local food production in the state. For this mandate, the government of Edo state has collaborated with several organizations.
The collaboration resulted in the provision of essential irrigation equipment and assets to benefit 640 smallholder farmers. The initiative was made possible by the collective effort of the following organizations:
- Edo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
- State Government of the Edo State
- Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares)
- World Bank and other stakeholders
Edward Izevbigie, the Project Coordinator also conveyed strong encouragement to the farmers during the presentation ceremony. The event also served as the launch of the dry season farming initiative.
He talked about the unwavering commitment of the Edo State Government to supporting smallholder farmers. He emphasized the need to ensure that food production can meet continuous consumption needs.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Idehenre, highlighted the progress that the state has achieved agricultural transformation. Notably, he talked about the successful FADAMA Edo Cares program.
He revealed that the programme previously empowered 1,832 smallholder farmers. The aim of the initiative is to revolutionize the seasonal agricultural cycle and fortify local production.
Idehenre assured farmers of the state’s proactive measures in addressing security challenges faced by farmers. He assured that the government is particularly looking into issues arising from cattle herdsmen.
He detailed the steps that they are taking in this regard, including the deployment of machinery to tag grazing animals, enabling identification and owner tracking. Moreover, the state has undertaken comprehensive training for forest officers and rangers to ensure farmers’ safety.
Under the aegis of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares), the Edo Cares Result Area 2 facilitated the distribution of crucial equipment—de-feathering machines, solar irrigation pumps, generators, among others—to poultry and irrigation farmers, totaling 640. Further phases are planned to extend support to cassava farmers, rice farmers, processors, millers, and others, projected to benefit a total of 2,078 individuals.
Beneficiaries of the initiative thanked the government for the equipment they received. They believe that the equipment will lead to enhanced efficiency and increased yields.
Angela Otabo, a poultry farmer, highlighted the potential of the new de-feathering machine to boost processing efficiency and revenue.
Monday Ebuaghe Imafidon, a vegetable farmer, emphasized the significant role the new solar pump would play in cultivating vegetables during the dry season, thanking Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support of smallholder farmers.