By Nefishetu Yakubu
Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Shehuri has reiterated Federal Governments commitment to improve agricultural extension services in Edo.
The minister stated this on Thursday when he inspected the new one stop extension delivery centre in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.
Shehuri said President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to boosting agricultural production through improved extension services.
He noted that the centre would serve as a training centre for farmers and extension agents in the state.
This centre will serve as a place where our agricultural extension agents will train farmers on modern agricultural best practices
I am aware of the potential of Edo in the production of rice, cassava, maize, oil palm, cocoa and rubber.
The federal government is committed to ensuring that the production of the these crops are sustained through improved extension service delivery, he said
Shehuri, however, explained that the mandate of the ministry is to provide food and nutritional products to guarantee food security, working closely with state governors.
The Programme Manager of Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr Peter Aikhuomobhogbe, said that plans had been concluded to move the ADP zonal office to the centre.
Aikhuomobhogbe noted that the centre housed an agro-shop for the sale of fertiliser, chemicals and seeds, adding that the plots of land located at the centre would be used for farm demonstrations.
According to him, experts are already on ground to teach the farmers the modern methods of farming that will positively impact on local farmers. (NAN)
Source: NAN News