Edo govt, NADF distribute 20, 160 bags of fertilizers to smallholder farmers

The Edo State Government in collaboration with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced distribution of 20,160 bags of fertilizers to smallholder farmers in the State.

Speaking at the ceremony which took place in Benin City on Wednesday, Jerry Uwangue, the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security said that the fertilizer was facilitated by the National Agricultural Development Fund in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Uwangue said the NADF initiative was as a result of the deliberate policies and investments made by the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support smallholder farmers, whom he described as the true heroes of food systems.

He said the fertilizers would be distributed to farmers across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, adding that so far about 12,000 farmers had been profiled by the Ministry.

He said, “This ceremony is not just a formal exercise, but a reflection of the Federal Government’s continued commitment towards ensuring food availability and food security, and improving rural livelihoods.

“Also promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the country which is in line with the Edo State’s SHINE Agenda. We are all aware that agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the primary source of livelihood for families across Edo State.”

The commissioner, who noted the vital roles of agriculture in the economy of the State, however, said that rising production costs, especially the increasing price of agricultural inputs such as fertilizer poses significant challenges to farmers.

He posited that by empowering farmers with the right resources, Governments are not only feeding families but also creating jobs, reducing poverty, and driving local economic development.

He added that the inputs and assets being distributed were meant to ease farmers’ production challenges, boost yields, and ultimately enhance income and overall well-being.

Uwangue, however, encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fertilizers, applied appropriately to the farms for the purpose for which it is intended.

He urged the farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices and extension services that would maximize the benefits of the intervention.

He urged farmers that had not been profiled to make themselves available for profiling whenever agriculture extension officers are in their locality.

Earlier, Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary, NADF said a total of 20,160 bags of fertilizers were allocated to each of the 36 States of Federation.

Ibrahim, represented by Lecky Dauda, Assistant General Manager, NADF, said out of the 20, 160 bags allocated to Edo State, 8,000 bags were for the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security while 12,000 were for the State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

He said a beneficiary is entitled to four bags each.

Patricial Imade, the Edo State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, however, appealed to the beneficiaries not to sell the input but to make judicious use of them to improve their farms yields.