Smallholder farmers in Edo State have applauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for its investment in the state’s agriculture sector.
In a statement, the farmers noted that the sustained investment would further compliment the government’s efforts at attaining food sufficiency, driving job creation and improving livelihoods.
The commendation came at the commencement of tilling, harrowing, ploughing, among other preparations ahead of this year’s farming season in government-backed farm settlements across the state.
It stated that under the state’s agripreneur programme, the government, in the first phase of the land preparation, assisted farmers in clearing over 180 hectares of land in Usugbenu maize farm settlement, 142 hectares in Illushi rice farm settlement, as well as in Agenebode rice farm settlement.
Speaking to journalists, the farmers expressed confidence that the state government’s investment would transform the state for the better.
According to a farmer in Illushi rice farm settlement, Mrs. Esther Osobase, the Governor Obaseki-led administration had shown uncommon resolve in unlocking the state’s rich agricultural potentials to attract investment.
“We have experienced a new wave of agricultural revolution in Edo State with the governor’s determined effort to create wealth and job opportunities for youths through agriculture,” she said
Another farmer, Emmanuel Usen, stated, “The support provided by the state government in the use of mechanised farm equipment under the Edo State Agripreneur programme will make farming attractive and less tedious for farmers. This will also encourage farmers to scale from subsistence to commercial farming.”
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