12,000 Edo Farmers To Benefit From Federal Government Free Fertilizer Initiative To Boost Agricultural Products

BENIN CITY – Over 12, 000 farmers across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State will benefit from the free fertilizer distribution initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration renewed hope agenda to boost Agricultural products across the nation.

Speaking to journalists during the official flag off ceremony of free fertilizer distribution across the State to small holder farmers, the Commissioner for agriculture and food security Dr. Jerry Uwangue said the fertilizer will be distributed to only profiled farmers.

He noted that the State received fertilizers in large quality from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security for Edo State farmers.

“We are here to officially flag off the fertilizer we received from the Federal government. Before now, we went across the 18 local government areas of the State under the instructions of Governor Monday Okpebholo who asked that Edo State farmers be profiled for this purpose.

“The free fertilizer received will be sent across the 18 local government areas of the State to be given to only profile farmers.

“We have over 12,000 farmers as of today and we are still profiling more across the State.The fertilizer will be distributed transparently and we would not hide anything, it will be opened and televised and it will be given to farmers that have been profiled.

“As of today, we have received 8,000 fertilizers that will be shared across farmers in three Senatorial Districts of Edo State. We will use our data based on the distribution processes”.

Dr. Uwangue appealed to farmers to remain in their various local government areas as each council area has an agricultural desk officer who will be in charge of the distribution of the fertilizer to them.

“Distribution will commence next week as the fertilizers will go directly to the genuine farmers”, he concluded.

Executive Secretary National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) Hon. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim represented by Assistant General Manager (AGM) NADF Lecky Dauda said the ceremony is not just a formal exercise but a reflection of the federal government’s continued commitment towards ensuring food availability and security, improving rural livelihood and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

He noted that the initiative is in line with the State’s SHINE agenda of governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, encouraging farmers to judiciously use the fertilizer distributed to improve their yield.

Edo State coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Mrs. Imade Patricia thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this initiative as it will help farmers to get more yield of their agricultural products.

She urges farmers never to exercise fear as it is certain that those profiled will truly get the fertilizer which is readily available. We will be encouraged when we see you utilize the fertilizer.

Iserhien Deborah, Peter Igiorigkhi and Ggbega Fadeyi who benefited from the free fertilizer initiative commended the Federal government and Edo State government for the fertilizer which they said will be utilized effectively to yield agricultural products and boost food production across the State.