Obaseki: We’re training, empowering farmers to enhance food production, tackle food insecurity in Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has sustained efforts to empower and support farmers in the State, building their capacity and providing them with the tools and incentives to enhance food production and tackle food insecurity in the State.

The governor, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the government is prioritizing the investment in agriculture to diversify the state’s economy.

According to the governor, “Food security and agricultural self-sufficiency is a priority for us and we are making investments in this regard, providing our farmers with training and support. Interestingly, we have got the commitment from our partners to make investment in a modern farm from where we will propagate day-old chicks and get them into the market.

“We understand that we need to go back the value chain and think of how to produce the grains, vitamins, feeds and all needed to grow the poultry business.”

‘Training the capacity and knowledge of farmers is crucial in achieving this success and as a State, we are learning and also partnering in other core areas like the oil palm.”

Obaseki added, “Last year, we put out 60,000 hectares of new farmland for estate farmers in oil palm which is under cultivation. For us, the lessons out there are to work with our partners to build the institution to train human capacity, extension workers, and farmers to help us understand what is going on, support the farmers and monitor what they are doing to guarantee their yield and help them make money and sustain their business.”