Edo marks World Food Day with farm produce exhibition

…promises farmers support
Edo State Government, as part of activities to commemorate the 2022 World Food Day, has organised a farm produce exhibition, with a pledge to support more than 200,000 farmers across the state towards ensuring food security.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Idehenre, while addressing journalists at the event held in Benin City, said the government would remain committed to economic diversification and supporting the agricultural sector to tackle hunger and food crisis.

Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the media aide to the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, disclosed this in a statement, yesterday.

The event, according to the statement, held with the theme, “Safe Food Today For A Healthy Tomorrow.” The theme was localised from the global theme, “Leave No One Behind.”

Participants at the exhibition included representatives of companies and farmers delegates from the state’s 18 councils.

The commissioner said: “The present administration is promoting initiatives at repositioning the agricultural sector with a view to achieving food security in the state and sustainable health for the people and the economy, which will help us meet the needs of the future. 

“The event marking the day will promote awareness and action for those who suffer health-related issues as a result of improper handling of agricultural produce, by-products as well as encourage the participation of women, youths and the underprivileged in decisions and activities influencing their lives because the food we choose and the way we consume it affects our health and that of our planet.”

On his part, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, said: “We are using this medium to create awareness on hunger and also create awareness on safe diet. The array of farm produce here shows that we in Edo know what safe diet really means.”