The Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched its 2026 Back-to-Farm Expedition with visits to farmers in Esan North-East and Esan South-East local government areas, marking the start of a statewide agricultural tour that will cover all 18 local government areas in the state.
The initiative, which is part of the agricultural transformation agenda of the Edo State Government, aligns with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The tour began in Edo Central Senatorial District and is helping the government engage directly with farmers, identify challenges affecting production, and create opportunities to improve food output across the state.
Leading the delegation, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Jerry Uwangue said the government wants to move closer to farmers and ensure support reaches those actively involved in agriculture.
During visits to farming communities in Uzea, Ubiaja, and Ugboha in Esan South-East, ministry officials held discussions with farmers, local council representatives, and agricultural stakeholders on the realities facing food production in the area.
Dr. Uwangue said the initiative is the state government’s commitment to improving grassroots agriculture and strengthening food security.
He said the administration is focused on ending a system where agricultural support does not always reach active farmers.
“This administration is changing the narrative. It will no longer be business as usual, where only political farmers benefit from government support. Fertilisers, seedlings, sprayers, farm implements, loans, and grants will now be accessible directly to genuine farmers,” Dr. Uwangue stated.
He urged farmers to participate in the ongoing Edo Farmers Profiling Exercise, explaining that the registration process will help the ministry identify real farmers and provide direct support to improve productivity.
The commissioner also encouraged farmers to adopt cluster farming, which has become a major part of the state’s agricultural strategy.
Under the model, the government plans to support farmers with land clearing, improved security, boreholes, farm inputs, modern machinery, and guaranteed market access to help improve profitability and reduce production challenges.
As part of the visit, ministry officials also provided farmers with technical guidance on crop selection, planting seasons, market opportunities, and improved farming practices aimed at increasing yields and income.
Farmers also raised concerns during an interactive session, particularly around security challenges affecting farming activities. In response, Uwangue assured them that the state government is working on measures to improve safety in farming communities.
He also introduced a new farming site in Oria, where the state government is developing a large-scale agricultural hub for farmers in Esan North-East and Esan South-East.
According to him, the site will include a security base, water supply infrastructure, and a farm machinery station to improve productivity and create a safer environment for farming activities.
The Back-to-Farm Expedition highlights Edo State’s push to reposition agriculture as a major driver of food production, rural employment, and economic growth.
As the tour continues across other local government areas, the government says it expects the initiative to strengthen farmer participation and support a more modern agricultural system across the state.
