Edo: Okpebholo launches Back-to-Farm Initiative

By Tony Osauzo, Benin

In fulfilment of his electoral promise, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched the Back-to-Farm Initiative to boost food production across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He stated this while meeting with farmers at the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement in Ovia South West, Edo South.

The Back-to-Farm Initiative marks an agricultural revolution in the state, as the Okpebholo administration plans to establish farms in all three senatorial districts and provide farmers with the necessary incentives to increase food production for the nation.

The governor noted that Edo people have a strong farming heritage and assured them that his administration would revive farming across the state to produce food for Edo citizens, Nigeria, and for export to other states and countries.

He stressed that the initiative would not remain a mere policy document but would be actively implemented to ensure Nigerians benefit from abundant food production.

In addition, Governor Okpebholo promised farmers incentives such as fertilisers, farm machinery for mechanised farming, and loans to support their agricultural activities.

“I want to thank the farmers because they have been farming before, but this time, we will farm together. We want to produce food that will not only feed Edo State but also feed Nigeria.

“It’s time for all of us to go back to the farm. Farming has become a very serious business, and together, we will produce food and feed our people.

“My administration will provide you with equipment, fertilisers, and financial support to farm and produce food for the nation.

“We will establish farms across the three senatorial districts of the state. This is the season to farm, and we are embarking on a farming initiative in Edo State,” Governor Okpebholo emphasised.

Also speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Osagie Aibuedefe, assured farmers that with an increased budget of over ₦70 billion, they would benefit significantly from improved incentives to enhance their farming activities.

Earlier, Vice President of the Farmers Association, Mr Benson Enahikare, who read the president’s speech, outlined some of the challenges facing farmers, including cattle encroachment, which destroys their crops.

The 2,300-hectare farmland known as the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement was established in 1963.