Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, led some investors on a guided inspection of 400 hectares of land earmarked for the cultivation of maize and cassava in the state.
Okpebholo led the investors for the inspection of the Uwesan farm settlement located in Esan Central Local Government Area in Edo Central Senatorial district.
Speaking during the inspection the governor assured investors that his government is interested in improving agricultural activities to boost food security and sufficiency in the state.
He added that planting would soon commence in the farm settlement, along with similar ones in Edo South, Edo Central, and another in Edo North.
According to him, this is a milestone achievement. The land is very fertile. We are very serious about farming in order to ensure our people have enough food to eat.
“We have 400 hectares of land here, and we will plant corn and cassava. Food sufficiency is our focus, and we will do everything to ensure we succeed.
“I am happy that our investors are here with us to see the farm settlement themselves. This is their first visit, and by the time they will be coming again, they will come with their technical partners,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Peter Osagie, said the Uwesan Farm Settlement is a communal land.
Osagie said the people of the community are ready to cooperate with the government to boost food security in the state.
“This is Uwesan, and we are collaborating with the people of this area because it is a communal land of over 400 hectares. We have a guarantee from the community to expand further.
“In the first instance, this place will be used for cassava farming because it has multiple uses, as both animal and human feed. Right now, the animal feed industry is experiencing a shortage of maize supply, and the state wants to bridge that gap.
“Closely related to that is cassava cultivation for obvious reasons as well, because it is one of the most stable carbohydrates for the developing world.
“In Edo State, we have two ethanol plants that use cassava as a stock. Right now, cassava farmers are automatic millionaires because off-take is guaranteed.
“Apart from the people here, we have continued to talk to our friends who are interested in off-take in cassava in Edo State. Soon, we will have 400 hectares of land for cassava,” he added.
