Edo State govt boosts food security with cultivation of 3,000 hectares

The Edo State Government has started cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the state’s three Senatorial Districts. The first phase of this project has already begun, with 60 hectares (148 acres) being cleared in Iguoriakhi, located in Ovia South West Local Government Area in the southern part of the state.

This initiative, which was announced in a statement from Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, is part of the state’s “back to the farm” campaign. Governor Okpebholo’s government is committed to the national goal of food sufficiency, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Okpebholo recently visited the farm settlement, where he was shown around by Dr. Osagie Peter, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. During the visit, the governor explained that the farm settlement project would be extended to the central and northern regions of the state to ensure that food production is increased across Edo State.

“We are committed to embracing agriculture as a way to strengthen Edo’s economy,” Governor Okpebholo said. “This is the second time I’ve visited the farms to ensure we produce enough food for our people. We have cleared several hectares of land and are preparing to clear more. Our goal is to clear 3,000 hectares, and we will also set up similar farm settlements in Edo Central and Edo North.”

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo

The Governor emphasised that this initiative supports the federal government’s plan to increase food production nationwide. “Edo State is fully on board with the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are going back to the farm, and we’re not turning back,” he added.

Dr. Osagie Peter explained that the first phase of the project will benefit around 250 farm heads. He also noted that the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, which spans 2,350 hectares, has been mainly dedicated to growing permanent crops like oil palm and rubber.

“This farm was established in 1962, and most of it is dedicated to permanent crops. We have already cleared 60 hectares, and once the land is ready, we will assign five hectares to each farm group,” Dr. Peter said. “We’re preparing the land for maize, cassava, and other crops, which will help ensure food security in Edo South and beyond.”

Governor Okpebholo and his team also visited the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority Integrated Farm in Obayantor, located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of their ongoing efforts to promote agriculture in the region.