Benin— In an effort to boost food production, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has given more than 1,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in Edo South’s seven local government areas.
Uhunmwode, Orhionwon, Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia South West, and Ovia North East are the local governments that stand to gain. According to AFAN’s state chairman, Alhaji Dogwo Bako, the gesture was intended to boost the state’s agricultural output and encourage dry season farming.
The fertilizers were supplied by the federal government through the Anchor Borrowers Program, according to Bako, who oversaw the distribution in Benin. He said that as part of his dedication to agricultural development, Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South, made it possible for the fertilizers.
Addressing the farmers, Bako emphasized the importance of utilizing the fertilizers effectively to boost crop yields.
He highlighted that increased productivity would contribute to guaranteeing food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region. To ensure proper use of the fertilizers, Bako mandated the farmers to take an oath, pledging not to sell the fertilizers.
” Why I am taking this measure now is to curb the diversion of agricultural inputs and ensure they reach their intended purpose, ” he said.
Additionally, Bako took advantage of the occasion to introduce AFAN officials at the local government levels. He gave them the responsibility of strengthening the association’s grassroots activities and organizing and assisting farmers in their localities.
He also gave the recently appointed CEOs the task of creating an extensive database of farmers in their communities.He claimed that this would make it easier for the various local government units to plan, oversee, and carry out agricultural projects.
The State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Peter Osagie, also spoke and conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Federal Government for the gesture.Osagie, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Aleme Oyemwen, the chief of the agricultural division, stated that fertilizer distribution was an important intervention meant to enable farmers to increase crop yields and improve food production.
He further assured farmers of the Ministry’s continued support and called on beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the inputs
