In a bold move to tackle rising food prices and ensure food security, the Edo State Government has earmarked N70 billion in its 2025 budget for mechanized farming and agricultural development.
Governor Monday Okpebholo revealed this during a press briefing after a New Year visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where discussions centered on addressing Nigeria’s food challenges.
The Governor emphasized that the budgetary allocation is part of Edo State’s strategic plan to support President Tinubu’s agricultural reforms and reduce food scarcity across the nation.
The chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted Okpebholo to have indicated, “We are committed to achieving food sufficiency through large-scale mechanized farming and agricultural empowerment programs,” Okpebholo said.
According to the Governor, the funds will be used to acquire modern farming equipment, expand farmlands, and improve access to fertilizers and seeds. Additionally, interest-free loans will be provided to smallholder farmers and market traders to boost productivity.
The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, enhance food production, and stabilize prices in local markets.
“This is more than just farming—it’s about empowering our farmers, improving infrastructure, and creating sustainable systems that guarantee food availability,” Okpebholo added.
The announcement has been met with optimism by agricultural stakeholders in Edo State. Local farmers’ associations have praised the initiative, noting that mechanization is key to increasing yields and reducing post-harvest losses.
Economic analysts also hailed the decision, describing it as a step in the right direction to diversify the state’s economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues.
Governor Okpebholo called on Edo residents to support the government’s agricultural policies, stressing that food security is crucial to economic stability and growth.
With this investment, Edo State positions itself as a model for agricultural reform, setting the pace for other states to follow in tackling Nigeria’s food crisis.