Edo State Government Begins Harvest Of Over 500 Hectares Of Maize At Udomi Farm

The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has commenced the harvesting of over 500 hectares of maize at the Udomi Farm in Esan Central Local Government Area.

The large-scale harvest is a key part of the state’s drive to boost agricultural production, ensure food security, and create a sustainable supply of raw materials for industries.

Speaking to journalists during an inspection of the farm, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Nwangue, stated that the development shows the state has the capacity to produce food in commercial quantities.

He described Governor Monday Okpebholo’s approach as “practical governance,” focused on taking concrete steps to increase food production.

The commissioner emphasized the scale of the achievement, saying, “This is way bigger than what we saw last year, we are expanding. This is just one phase. What we are witnessing today is something that has not been done before”.

The programme extends beyond Udomi Farm, with the government establishing major cassava and rice farms at the Ekpoma settlement, while similar projects are ongoing in Warake and Iguoriakhi.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Golden Ugbodu, described the scale of agricultural activity as unprecedented, stating, “This is the brain of Mr. Governor. When he came, he said Edo must be food sufficient. We have never seen a massive farm like this before”.

The Programme Manager of the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme, Princewill Igbinedion, noted that the maize harvest is an improvement on the previous year and will provide essential raw materials for livestock producers, particularly poultry farmers.