….Over 14,000 Farmers to Receive Fertilizers, Cocoa Seedlings
The Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has commenced direct distribution of fertiliser to registered farmers across the state, with more than 14,000 farmers expected to benefit from the first phase.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Jerry Uwangue, said the initiative is part of the state government’s effort to ensure agricultural inputs reach genuine farmers and boost food production.
He disclosed that the exercise followed months of consultations with farmers across the 18 local government areas, during which stakeholders complained that previous input-support programmes failed to reach intended beneficiaries.
“During the question-and-answer session with our farmers, we received a lot of complaints. Whatever was promised to them didn’t get to them, and some said this exercise had been done before and nothing happened. We promised them this was going to be different, and we are about to keep that promise,” Uwangue said.
He said between 14,000 and 15,000 farmers were registered during the engagement, adding that 8,000 bags of fertiliser had been received for the first phase. The ministry also received 30,000 cocoa seedlings for direct distribution to farmers.
“These are the first batch, and we would continue this way. We will no longer give it to local governments to distribute; it will be given directly to farmers,” he added.
The Commissioner urged beneficiaries not to resell the fertiliser, stressing that the inputs were meant to increase productivity and enhance food security. He also assured that the ministry would help farmers secure markets for their produce to improve income.
“The only appeal is not to sell them; use them to boost food production. We will also help you get buyers for your products, so you don’t complain that you’re running at a loss,” he said.
Uwangue encouraged farmers to complete registration and verification procedures to access allocations free of charge.
Beneficiaries commended the direct distribution model. Prof. Osifo Aikpehiomwan of Ambrose Alli University, a smallholder farmer, said it was the first time an ordinary farmer like him received free fertiliser. He pledged to provide free extension services to neighbours.
Another farmer, Mr. Efosa, who cultivates cassava, maize and palm kernel, said the intervention would improve productivity.
The ministry said the exercise is the first of several planned phases and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering inputs directly to verified smallholder farmers.
