The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Edo Agricultural Development Project (ADP), on Thursday, distributed maize seeds and agrochemicals to 39 farmers in Edo.

Samuel Owoicho, the Edo coordinator of the ministry, said maize seeds were distributed for late-season planting, which began in August.

Mr Owoicho noted that the programme was being executed to empower maize farmers and extension agents with inputs in South-South, South -West and South-East for late-season planting.

“We are going to carry out similar distribution across other agricultural value chains, but right now, these are for 39 maize farmers that we have captured,” he said.

He urged the farmers to use the inputs to create wealth for themselves.

The project manager, Edo ADP, Edward Izevbigie, noted that the farmers were selected from the state’s three senatorial districts.

“We have a database of farmers across the state, where we selected from. The farmers have already been trained on maize best practices,” he said.

Mr Izevbigie, however, warned the farmers against selling the inputs, adding that the ministry had set up teams to monitor the farmers’ activities in the state. 

(NAN)