No fewer than 700 poultry and cassava farmers in Edo State have been trained and empowered by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The beneficiaries, who were 200 poultry and 500 cassava farmers, were empowered with day-old chicks and cassava cuttings.
Speaking during the empowerment program in Benin, Dr. Samuel Owoicho, the Edo Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said the empowerment marked a significant milestone in Edo and Nigeria in general.
Owoicho stated that the initiative underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari,’s commitment to agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.
He said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s mission to promote sustainable agricultural development, improve food security, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The director further explained that the initiative would enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in modern farming practices, improve productivity, increase income, and promote economic empowerment.
“By supporting these hard-working farmers, we not only enhance their livelihoods but also strengthen the Edo economy. Their success will inspire further growth in the sector.
“Let us continue to work together to create sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring that Edo remains a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance,” he said.
Owoicho, however, disclosed that the initiative was courtesy of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services in collaboration with SANCT International Nigeria Limited.
According to him, it will promote sustainable agricultural practices, strengthen the agricultural value chain, ensure food security, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth.”.
He urged the farmers to actively participate in the training, adopt new technologies, and practice the knowledge gained.
Owoicho urged the beneficiaries to share knowledge with fellow farmers, join farmer organisations and cooperatives, and take advantage of government support services to transform agriculture in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Edo, Mr. Peter Osagie, thanked the federal government for the empowerment, adding that it would promote sustainable agriculture.
“By equipping these farmers, we are investing in the future of Edo State, ensuring that our agricultural sector continues to thrive.
“We appreciate the dedication of our farmers, whose hard work is the backbone of our state’s economy.
“The Edo Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to supporting our farmers, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the agricultural sector,” he said.
According to him, together, we will build a prosperous and food-secure Edo State, where agriculture plays a pivotal role in our economic development.
The Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, Dr Deola-Tayo Lordbanjou, was represented by Dr Christiana Malgwi at the event.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Martha Mogudadu, a poultry farmer in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo, said the gesture was laudable.
“I got 25 chicks, two 50kg bags of poultry feed, and multivitamins; they also promised to give us cash to support the raising of the birds.
“The prices of poultry feeds and chicks have gone up in the country, so this gesture is commendable and will go a long way to boost our small farming businesses.”.
Another farmer, Mr. Autthur Aiya, a cassava farmer from Orhionmwon LGA, said the initiative would encourage more people to embrace farming.
“Giving farmers free inputs and training will encourage more people to plant and raise livestock, even at a micro level.
“So, I thank the Federal Government for this move and urge them to do more.”
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