World Food Day: Edo Hosts Farm Produce Exhibition, Pledge to Support 200,000 Farmers

The Edo State Government recently organized a farm produce exhibition to commemorate the 2022 World Food Day, emphasizing its commitment to supporting over 200,000 farmers across the state in a bid to enhance food security.

Hon Stephen Idehenre, the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated the government’s dedication to economic diversification and fostering the agricultural sector to combat hunger and food crises.

Themed “Safe Food Today For A Healthy Tomorrow” at the event, the local adaptation of the global theme, “Leave No One Behind,” underscored the importance of safe food practices for future well-being. Notable participants at the exhibition included representatives from prominent organizations such as De-United Food Industries Ltd, Okomu Oil Palm Ltd, Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), and National Coconut Producers, among others.

The current administration is supporting initiatives to realign the agricultural sector in order to achieve food security in the state, which will help us meet future needs and ensure sustainable health for the populace and the economy, according to Hon. Idehenre.

“Because the food we choose and the way we consume it affects our health and that of our planet, the event marking the day will promote awareness and action for those who suffer health related issues as a result of improper handling of agricultural produce, by-products as well as encourage women, youth, and the underprivileged to participate in decisions and activities that influence their lives.”

The Commissioner went on, “This occasion also presents an opportunity to raise awareness of the policies and programs of the state government, which include, among other things, the creation of a five-year agricultural roadmap to strengthen the state’s comparative advantage, the awarding of 62,500 hectares of land to investors in the oil palm project, the partnership with Heifer International to support over 200,000 smallholder farmers by 2025 to boost poultry production, and the remodeling of the Edo College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi”.

Mr. Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated: “We are using this medium to create awareness on safe diets as well as hunger.” The array of farm produce here shows that we in Edo know what safe diet really means.”