The Edo State Government has given irrigation devices to more than 500 farmers in the state to improve dry-season farming in 2022.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Idehenre, spoke to program participants at Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited, Ovia South-West Local Government Area (LGA), and explained that the goal of the intervention is to equip smallholder farmers with small irrigation devices to help with food production during the dry season.
He declared: “The Edo State Government is accelerating the transition to year-round farming through its intervention project, Edo CARES. We are providing smallholder farmers with small irrigation devices to empower them. Over 500 farmers will be empowered with the supply of 171 units of small irrigation gadget. The device will be distributed in 139 units at Auchi, Etsako West LGA, and 32 units to farmers in Ovia South-West LGA.”
Idehenre added that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is prioritizing agriculture as one of the schematic pillars of the Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda, adding, “Edo State is making steady progress in the agricultural sphere. We are utilizing the potential of agriculture to further develop the state, as it continues to be a key economic pillar for the creation of wealth and jobs.
“Through the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), we have drawn investments totaling $532.2 million from nine companies to the oil palm sector alone.” Investors now have access to a total of 62,500 hectares, and by 2030, it is predicted that these investments will add more than 200,000 jobs throughout the value chain and produce over 1000,000 metric tons of crude palm oil (CPO).
The state government’s comprehensive approach to guaranteeing food security in the state has been commended by Dr. Izevbigie Edward, the coordinator of the Edo CARES state project.
He declared: “The Edo State Government is steadfastly dedicated to enhancing food security for its people by combating poverty, hunger, and malnourishment. It has zero tolerance for hunger.”
“It has persisted in establishing a tranquil, secure, and supportive atmosphere where individuals can cultivate the land and sustain themselves with honor. In agriculture, he has also implemented initiatives that will boost output.”
