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The Edo State Government has officially commenced the 2026 farming season with the launch of the second phase of its Back-to-Farm initiative, as Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration moves to deepen agricultural production and strengthen food security across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Agricultural Hub on Oko-Ogba Road in Benin City, featured the distribution of farm inputs and equipment to farmers drawn from all 18 local government areas of the state, underscoring the government’s renewed focus on agricultural expansion as a core economic policy priority.
The event also brought together farmers, cooperatives, agribusiness stakeholders and agricultural value chain operators, who showcased a variety of farm produce in an exhibition designed to highlight Edo State’s agricultural capacity and production potential.
Representing Governor Okpebholo at the event, Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said the administration remains committed to practical investments that directly support farmers and improve food output.
According to him, agriculture has become one of the central pillars of the administration’s SHINE agenda, with food production and food security receiving priority attention since the governor assumed office.
He noted that one of the clearest indicators of that commitment was reflected in the governor’s first state budget after assuming office on November 12, 2024, where agriculture received one of the largest allocations among ministries in the state.
Government says support will target real farmers
Ikhilor stressed that the state government is determined to ensure that agricultural support gets to genuine farmers rather than politically connected beneficiaries.
“We have to be careful to deal with real farmers, not political farmers. This is the focus of this administration. The governor wants to be involved in every distribution process to ensure that what is meant for farmers reaches the actual farmers,” he said.
He added that the administration is pursuing what he described as “practical governance” in agriculture, noting that tractors and other mechanised farming resources are already available to support production.
Ikhilor also pointed to Governor Okpebholo’s recent visit to Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, describing it as significant because it marked the first time in about 20 years that a sitting Edo governor visited the settlement and engaged directly with resident farmers.
According to him, such direct engagement reflects the governor’s intention to understand challenges within the farming system firsthand rather than rely solely on reports from officials.
2026 season begins amid renewed food security push
The commencement of the 2026 farming season comes at a time when subnational governments across Nigeria are increasing investments in agriculture amid rising food inflation and supply chain pressures.
For Edo State, the Back-to-Farm initiative is increasingly becoming one of the administration’s flagship interventions aimed at reducing food shortages, improving rural livelihoods, and expanding local agricultural productivity.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, said the programme is not merely symbolic, but designed to prepare farmers for the planting season with the right tools and knowledge.
“This administration is committed to strengthening agriculture as the backbone of our economy, ensuring food security for Edo people, and improving the livelihood of farmers,” Uwangue said.
He explained that the objective of the programme is to formally launch the 2026 farming season while sensitising farmers on early planning, adoption of improved farming techniques, and efficient use of modern agricultural inputs.
These include improved seedlings, fertilisers, agro-chemicals and mechanised equipment intended to increase yield and reduce inefficiencies in production.
Inputs distributed across multiple farming categories
Farm inputs distributed during the exercise covered a broad range of agricultural needs.
They included fertilisers, STD sprays, gloves, safety goggles, coverall protective clothing, farm boots, knapsack mist dusters, fish processing kits, gas cylinders and other agricultural implements.
The distribution is expected to reduce production costs for smallholder farmers ahead of the planting cycle, particularly as many producers continue to face rising input prices nationwide.
Experts call for stronger agricultural systems
Also speaking at the event, guest lecturer Sunny Eronseyi delivered a presentation titled, “Strengthening Agricultural Systems for Food Security in Edo State,” where he examined the evolution of agriculture in the state and outlined strategies for improving sustainability and productivity.
He emphasised the need for stronger extension systems, better market access, improved mechanisation and coordinated value chain development if Edo is to maximise its agricultural potential.
Farmers welcome intervention, seek more support
Some beneficiaries, including Uwensuyi Monday, Godfrey Omoruyi and Henry Ebole, commended the state government for the intervention, describing it as timely support ahead of the new planting season.
They, however, appealed for additional assistance in areas such as irrigation systems, storage infrastructure and broader access to mechanised farming equipment.
With the 2026 farming season now underway, the effectiveness of Edo’s Back-to-Farm initiative will likely be measured by how successfully these interventions translate into higher output, stronger rural incomes and improved food availability across the state.
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