In a recent development, Hon. Stephen Idehenre, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Edo State, has assured the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) of the state government's commitment to supporting farmers in the region.
The Commissioner made this assurance during a meeting with the executive members of AFAN at the Agriculture Hub in Benin City, Edo State. He revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with local government areas to prepare and develop land for farming. He urged the Association to put aside any political crisis and organise themselves to receive government support for farming.
Idehenre further emphasised the need for the Association to provide the Ministry with a database of its members. This information would enable the government to provide targeted support for the farmers. He added that the state government will soon launch the Small Holder Farmers Initiative. This programme will develop the first 4,000 hectares of land, engaging young men and women in farming. The government will supply farm inputs such as seedlings, chemicals, and fertilisers, and make adequate provisions for offtakers.
The Commissioner assured the Association of the Ministry’s support, stating that his office is always open to farmers.
Earlier, Chief Amadin Osayande, the deputy chairman of AFAN in Edo State, expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner for the meeting and commended the state government for its significant strides in agricultural transformation. He called for a collaboration between the Association and the Ministry and requested government support in the provision of farm equipment and inputs such as land clearing aids, chemicals, and fertilisers for the upcoming planting season. He also disclosed that the Association's internal crisis had been resolved, with no existing factions.