The Edo State Government has begun efforts to properly identify authentic farmers in the state in a move aimed at eliminating what it described as “political farming.”
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, explained that a recent field engagement by the ministry was designed to interact directly with real farmers and ensure government agricultural programmes reach genuine beneficiaries.
He said the exercise is part of a broader plan to carry out detailed farmer profiling and improve inclusion in agricultural initiatives across Edo State.
Uwangue noted that the ministry’s team visited major farming communities in Edo North, covering Akoko-Edo, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Etsako West, Owan East, and Owan West, to assess farming activities and gather data for planning.
According to him, the government is encouraging farmers to participate in the ongoing registration and adopt cluster farming, which is aimed at improving productivity through shared resources and coordinated production.
He stated that “We urge farmers to key into the ongoing profiling exercise and embrace the cluster farming model, an integrated system designed to boost productivity and economies of scale.”
He added that under the initiative, the government plans to support farmers with land clearing, organised land allocation, farm inputs, mechanisation, irrigation systems, and security to protect both farmers and their investments.
Explaining the purpose of the engagement, he said, “That is why we embarked on the recent field engagement in Edo North—to interface with genuine farmers and eradicate the era of ‘political farmers.’”
Farmers who participated in the sessions reportedly praised previous government efforts but raised concerns about issues such as poor pricing, insecurity, and limited access to farming inputs.
Many also described the visit as unprecedented, noting it was the first time a commissioner had visited multiple local government areas to engage farmers directly and ensure that government support reaches actual farmers rather than politically connected individuals.
The commissioner further disclosed plans to establish modern storage and aggregation centres across the state’s senatorial districts to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise food prices.
He also said discussions are ongoing with verified buyers to improve market access and ensure farmers get fair value for their produce.
Uwangue explained that the farmer profiling exercise would help align production with demand, strengthen agricultural value chains, and boost overall food production in Edo State.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Bamiyi Osedebamen, urged farmers to participate fully in the registration process and encourage others in their communities to join, stressing that it is free and not subject to any financial charges.
Officials including the Director of Agricultural Services, Ogunbor David, and the Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme, Princewill Igbinedion, also provided technical support during the engagement.
