The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security collaborating with Agricultural Development Project, ADP, in Edo on Thursday distributed farm inputs to 60 cassava farmers across three senatorial districts in Edo State, South-South, Nigeria.

The inputs distributed include cassava cuttings, NPK fertilizers, and chemicals. Reports said.

The Edo Coordinator of the Ministry, Dr Samuel Owoicho, while flagging off the distribution of the inputs, said the Minister’s effort was geared towards ensuring food security for communities and increasing rural incomes.

Owoicho noted that the gesture was made possible through the collaborative effort between the ministry and the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture through its agricultural development programme (ADP).

“Cassava, as we all know, is an important crop for our region; the inputs would not only contribute to ensuring food security but also provide a source of income and livelihood for many farmers.

“Today, the distribution of cassava is not limited to the simple supply of planting materials, but it is an investment in the well-being and prosperity of our agricultural community.

“We recognize the importance of collaboration, and through partnerships like the one we have with the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and ADP, we can make a significant impact.

“By working together, we strengthen the bonds that bind us to a common goal, which is the growth and sustainability of agriculture in our state,” he said.

The State Coordinator explained that the farmers were selected using systemic random sampling from the database of farmers in the ministry.

He urged the farmers to use the cassava cuttings, fertilizers, and chemicals to make their farm products better.

“Your hard work and dedication are the backbone of our agriculture sector, and with the support of initiatives like these, we can aim for even greater heights.

“Let us remember that today’s event is not only about the cassava we distribute, but also about the positive change and progress it represents,” he added.

A Director in the ministry, Mr Brooks Asebake, said the inputs distribution was one of the several recommendations of a special technical committee established by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to assist about 75,000 farmers in collaboration with State ADPs.

Asebake stated that the programme was designed to empower farmers with inputs in agricultural value chains chosen by the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Programme Manager, Edo ADP, and Dr. Edward Izevbigie thanked the federal government for always finding the state worthy to benefit from all its agricultural interventions and initiatives.