The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has supported over 500 smallholder farmers in Edo State by providing them with tomato seeds, aiming to enhance tomato production across the nation.
Samuel Owoicho, the Edo State Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, distributed these seeds to members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Benin on Thursday. This initiative is designed to address the high cost of tomatoes in the region.
Owoicho encouraged farmers to grow tomatoes in their own gardens to achieve self-sufficiency. He highlighted that this program aims to make Edo State self-reliant in tomato production and lower market prices. He stated, “The Federal Government is committed to empowering farmers and securing a sustainable future.”
He added that farmers have received training on optimal tomato cultivation techniques to maximize both yield and quality. “Tomatoes are essential in our diets and a significant crop supporting many livelihoods nationwide,” Owoicho emphasized. “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is actively supporting and developing this sector.”
Owoicho also mentioned that the ministry is focused on ensuring tomato farmers have access to high-quality seeds and inputs. “We’ve collaborated with research institutions and seed companies to create and distribute superior seed varieties that resist pests and diseases, offer higher yields, and are adapted to our climate,” he explained. “Furthermore, we are providing fertilizers, pesticides, and other crucial inputs at subsidized rates to alleviate the financial strain on our farmers.”
In response, Bako Dogwo, the state Chairman of AFAN, praised the Federal Government for this support. Dogwo noted that the provision of seeds would significantly enhance tomato cultivation in both the state and the country.
