In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and tackle rising food insecurity, the Federal Government has distributed essential farming inputs and equipment to over 500 smallholder farmers in Edo State.
The initiative, flagged off in Benin City, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at revitalizing agriculture and ensuring national food sufficiency.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who was represented by Dr. Perpetual Iyere-Usiahon, Assistant Director in the ministry, emphasized that the distribution aligns with the administration’s broader economic recovery plan.
“This empowerment is designed to encourage year-round farming and cushion the impact of high input costs on small-scale farmers,” Kyari stated.
He noted that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture through inclusive and transparent processes. Inputs were distributed via commodity associations, cooperative groups, women-led farming collectives, and farmers with special needs to ensure equitable access.
“Since assuming office in August 2023, we’ve reviewed existing frameworks and realigned our programmes to meet the ministry’s core mandate. Going forward, all initiatives will support the President’s priority on food security,” Kyari added.
The minister reiterated that collaboration with state governments, NGOs, and private sector partners remains key to making farm inputs affordable and accessible.
“We are determined to work with all stakeholders to promote food security, drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty,” he said.
Mrs. Patricia Imade, Edo State Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the importance of the intervention.
“These inputs are critical to improving yields and transforming rural livelihoods. Farmers must apply best agronomic practices and utilize available support services such as training, extension, and credit facilities,” she advised.
Among the distributed items were power tillers, knapsack sprayers, rice destoners, growth enhancers, cocopeat, and buckets—tools aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing manual labour.
Local agricultural leaders praised the initiative. Omobude Agho, Chairman of EDOCSO Investment Limited, and Leon Esebanmen, Chairman of Owan Agrarian Cooperative Limited, described the distribution as timely and impactful, especially for farmers grappling with escalating input costs.
The empowerment programme signals a renewed drive by the Federal Government to reposition agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic resilience and food sovereignty.
