FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State government has commenced the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmlands across the three senatorial districts.
It also begun the cultivation of 60 hectares (148 acres) in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West Local Government Area in Edo South Senatorial District for the commencement of this year’s farming season.
This is the first phase of the back to farm project which is food sufficiency for the nation.
Governor Monday Okpebholo was taken on an inspection tour of the farm settlement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Osagie Peter.
Okpebholo, after inspecting the farm, noted that his administration will replicate the farm settlement in Edo Central and North to ensure food sufficiency.
He explained that his administration is keying into the federal government’s plan to feed the nation.
The governor assured farmers of support to ensure adequate food production during this year’s farming season.
“We want to embrace agriculture, which we will use to grow and develop the economy. This is the second time I have entered the bush for the purpose of ensuring that we produce food for our people. We have cleared large hectares of land and we are ready to clear more. We will clear about 3,000 hectares, as we have embarked on the first stage. We still have similar farm settlements in Edo Central and North.
“We are ready to farm and we are not going back in line with Mr President’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which is part of feeding the nation. We have keyed into the agenda. As far as Edo State is concerned, about 250 farm heads would benefit from the first phase of the project.
He noted that government’s Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, with about 2,300 hectares of farmlands, already has a significant portion allocated to permanent crops such as palm and rubber trees.
The governor and his entourage also visited Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority’s Integrated Farm at Obayantor in Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area in Edo South.
