The federal government on Tuesday empowered 25 maize farmers in Edo with farm inputs, herbicides, and sprayers, along with training on modern maize cultivation practices.

Patricia Imade, Edo coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the empowerment was President Bola Tinubu’s deliberate push to strengthen food production nationwide, with maize as a priority crop.

“Today, we have trained and empowered 25 maize farmers across Edo State. It is a train-the-trainers programme. They will go back to their communities and replicate this knowledge, creating a multiplier effect.

“The maize inputs distributed are certified, fortified, and hybrid, aimed at boosting yields far beyond what farmers used to record per hectare,” Ms Imade said.

The training brought beneficiaries from the 18 local government areas of the state.

The beneficiaries received intensive training on improved maize varieties, application of herbicides, storage, processing, and marketing.

Ms Imade emphasised that while farmers were familiar with traditional methods, many still lacked proper knowledge of modern practices, particularly in handling chemicals and maximising yields.

“We enlightened them on how to apply herbicides safely, how to dispose of empty containers, and how to protect themselves, their crops, and end users,” she said.

Ms Imade urged farmers to see agriculture as a business venture, not merely subsistence.

“Agriculture must go beyond producing food for the family. It should be a profitable venture that can create wealth and jobs,” she said.

She assured that more federal programmes would be extended to farmers in Edo.

The training, themed “Maize: The Golden Grain,” was facilitated in collaboration with Messrs. Unis Multi Link Services Limited.

It featured lectures by Charles Ezendu, principal agric officer from the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, who tutored participants on maize varieties, site selection, spraying, processing, and value addition.

In his goodwill message, the Edo chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bako Dogwo, commended the federal government and the ministry for prioritising farmers in its policies.

Mr Dogwo, however, called on federal and state governments to work more closely with AFAN for an authentic database of farmers in Edo.

“The government should relate with real farmers, not political or portfolio farmers,” he said.

(NAN)