By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Edo state government has promised to address all the concerns raised farmers across the state to ensure their endeavours were worthwhile.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Nwangue stated this at the conclusion of a statewide awareness, sensitisation, and interactive tour on the registration and profiling of farmers across the 18 local government areas, a move aimed at strengthening agricultural planning and boosting food production.

Speaking to journalists at the grand finale of the tour in Oredo Local Government Area, Nwangue, described the exercise as a critical step toward building a reliable database of genuine farmers in the state.

According to him, “the registration and profiling initiative will enable the ministry to accurately identify real farmers, ensuring that government interventions, support programmes, and resources are directed to those actively engaged in agriculture.”

Nwangue further disclosed that the exercise would not end with the tour, noting that it would be a continuous process designed to keep the state on the right track in its agricultural development agenda.

The commissioner also urged farmers who are yet to register to take advantage of the initiative, describing the current administration as a new era for agriculture in Edo State.

Some farmers who spoke to journalists commended the initiative, describing it as unprecedented and a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector.

They noted that the direct engagement with farmers across communities has not only given them a voice but also renewed their confidence in government’s readiness to address their challenges.

The tour is part of the broader efforts by the Okpebholo administration to ensure food security and achieve surplus food production in Edo State, while laying a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural growth.