Edo Begins Direct Fertiliser Distribution To 14,000 Farmers

The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has commenced the direct distribution of fertiliser to registered farmers across the State, with more than 14,000 farmers expected to benefit from the first phase of the initiative.

According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Jerry Uwangue, the exercise is part of Government’s efforts to ensure that agricultural inputs reach genuine farmers directly and to boost food production across the State.

He stated that the initiative followed months of consultations with farmers across the 18 local government areas of the State, during which stakeholders raised concerns about previous input-support programmes that failed to adequately reach intended beneficiaries.

According to him, the Ministry promised farmers during the statewide engagement that the new intervention would adopt a different approach by ensuring direct delivery of agricultural inputs to verified beneficiaries. In his words, “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.”

The Commissioner disclosed that between 14,000 and 15,000 farmers were registered across the State during the earlier engagement exercise. He said the Ministry had received 8,000 bags of fertiliser for the first phase of distribution, which would be delivered directly to registered farmers. He also disclosed that 30,000 cocoa seedlings had been received and would similarly be distributed directly 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 said.

Hon. Uwangue urged beneficiaries not to resell the fertiliser, stressing that the inputs were intended to increase farm productivity and contribute to food security in the State. He also disclosed that the Ministry would support farmers in securing markets for their produce to improve their income and reduce concerns about operating at a loss.

“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,” the Commissioner assured.

The Commissioner encouraged farmers to adhere to the required registration and verification procedures to access their allocations free of charge, adding that the Ministry remained open to enquiries from farmers and other stakeholders.

Beneficiaries who spoke during the distribution exercise commended the initiative, describing the direct distribution model as a departure from previous experiences.

Prof. Osifo Aikpehiomwan of Ambrose Alli University, who is also a smallholder farmer, recalled that fertilizer distribution during his time as a student at the Obafemi Awolowo University often failed to reach individual farmers. He said similar challenges persisted during the early years of Nigeria’s democratic dispensation, when access to agricultural inputs was sometimes influenced by political considerations.

“It gladdens my heart that an ordinary farmer like me, with a small-scale farm is given free fertilizer. I feel happy and fulfilled,” Aikpehiomwan said. He pledged to provide free extension services to neighbouring farmers and educate them on the initiative, adding that increased access to agricultural inputs would contribute to higher food production and help address food-price pressures.

Another farmer, Mr. Efosa, who cultivates cassava, maize and palm kernel, said the intervention would improve his farm productivity. “This will boost our production. We thank him for this and hope he does more. We are glad it got to direct farmers,” he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated that the current exercise is the first of several planned phases and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that agricultural inputs are delivered directly to genuine, registered smallholder farmers across Edo State.

The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers’ productive capacity, support increased food production and contribute to the Edo State Government’s efforts to advance food security under the SHINE Agenda of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.