The Edo State Government, as part of activities to commemorate the 2022 World Food Day, has organized a farm produce exhibition, with the pledge to support more than 200, 000 farmers across the state so as to ensure food security. The Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Stephen Idehenre, while addressing journalists at the event held in Benin City, said the government remains committed to economic diversification and supporting the agricultural sector to tackle hunger and food crisis.
The event was held with the theme, “Safe Food Today For A Healthy Tomorrow.” The theme was localized from the global theme, “Leave No One Behind.”
Participants at the exhibition include representatives of De-United Food Industries Ltd, the makers of Indomie noodles; Okomu Oil Palm Ltd; Animal Science Association of Nigeria, ASAN; Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria, PFAN; Notore Chemical Industries Plc; National Coconut Producers, Produce and Marketing Association of Nigeria, NCPPMAN; GO farm/Dakpos Empire Ltd; Premier Seed Nigeria Ltd; RRIN/CFC Nigerian project and farmers delegates from the state’s 18 local government areas.
He said, “The present administration is promoting initiatives at repositioning the agricultural sector with a view to achieving food security in the state in order to achieve sustainable health for the people and the economy which will help us meet the needs of the future.
“The event marking the day will promote awareness and action for those who suffer health related issues as a result of improper handling of agricultural produce, by-products as well as encourage the participation of women, youths and the underprivileged in decisions and activities influencing their lives because the food we choose and the way we consume it affects our health and that of our planet.”
The commissioner added, “This occasion also presents an opportunity to create awareness if the policies and programmes of the state government which includes the development of a 5-year agricultural roadmap to intensify the state’s comparative advantage; the allocation of 62,500 hectares of land to investors in the oil palm project; collaboration with Heifer International to support over 200,000 smallholder farmers by 2025 to boost poultry production, and the remodelling of the Edo College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi, among others.”
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Peter Aikhuomobhogbe said, “We are using this medium to create awareness on hunger and also create awareness on safe diet. The array of farm produce here shows that we in Edo know what safe diet really means.”
