AFAN distributes over 1,000 bags of fertiliser to Edo farmers

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has distributed over 1,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers across seven local councils in Edo South, to boost food production.

The benefiting councils are: Uhunwode, Orhionwon, Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia South West and Ovia North East. The state chairman of AFAN, Alhaji Dogwo Bako, said the gesture was aimed at supporting dry season farming and enhancing agricultural productivity in the state. 

Bako, who led the distribution in Benin, disclosed that the fertilisers were provided by the Federal Government under the Anchor Borrowers Programme.  He noted that the fertilisers were facilitated through the efforts of Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, as part of his commitment to agricultural development.  

Addressing the farmers, Bako emphasised the importance of utilising the fertilisers effectively to boost crop yields.  He highlighted that increased productivity would contribute to guaranteeing food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.   

To ensure proper use of the fertilisers, Bako mandated the farmers to take an oath, pledging not to sell the fertilisers. “Why I am taking this measure now is to curb the diversion of agricultural inputs and ensure they reach their intended purpose.”  

Bako also used the opportunity to inaugurate AFAN executives at the local council levels, tasking them to mobilise and support farmers in their areas and strengthen the association’s grassroots operations.   He further charged the newly inaugurated executives to compile a comprehensive database of farmers in their respective localities . 

According to him, this would facilitate better planning, monitoring, and implementation of agricultural projects in the various local councils.  Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Peter Osagie, expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for the gesture.

Represented by the Head of Crop Division, Mrs Aleme Oyemwen, Osagie noted that the distribution of fertilisers was a significant intervention aimed at empowering farmers to boost crop yields and enhance food production.  He further assured farmers of the ministry’s continued support and called on beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the inputs.