Naija247news reports that Edo State Governor, Sunday Okpebholo, has officially flagged off the 2025 farming season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to agricultural development with an unprecedented N70 billion allocation to the sector. The launch event, held in Benin City, was attended by farmers, stakeholders, and government officials, marking the beginning of what the governor described as a transformative phase for agriculture in the state.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that the allocated funds will be channeled towards key areas, including mechanized farming, irrigation infrastructure, improved seedlings, and access to credit facilities for farmers. Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the investment aims to boost food production, create jobs, and enhance the state’s economic diversification strategy.
According to Naija247news, the government’s plan includes the distribution of high-yield seeds, subsidized fertilizers, and modern farming equipment to local farmers. The initiative also seeks to encourage youth participation in agriculture by offering grants and training programs to young entrepreneurs in the sector.
Naija247news understands that a significant portion of the N70 billion will be dedicated to developing agricultural processing hubs across the state, enabling farmers to add value to their produce before reaching the market. This move, the governor noted, will help reduce post-harvest losses and increase the competitiveness of Edo’s agricultural products.
Naija247news reports that while addressing farmers at the event, Governor Okpebholo assured them that his administration is working closely with private investors and financial institutions to provide accessible loans and grants to support agribusinesses. He reiterated that the government’s goal is to make Edo State a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the event praised the government’s initiative, highlighting the potential of the investment to drive food security and rural development. Some farmers expressed optimism that the funding would help address long-standing challenges such as inadequate access to modern farming techniques and poor rural infrastructure.
Naija247news gathered that the state government is also partnering with research institutions to introduce climate-smart agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers are equipped to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Governor Okpebholo called on all stakeholders to support the initiative and urged farmers to take advantage of the available resources. As the 2025 farming season begins, expectations are high that Edo State’s agricultural sector will experience significant growth, contributing to both local consumption and export markets.
