Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated the second phase of his “Back to Farm” initiative with the distribution of farm equipment and inputs to farmers across the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele, in a statement on Friday in Benin, said inputs distributed included spray equipment, fertilisers, gloves, safety goggles, coveralls and fish processing kits.

Others included gas cylinders, farm boots, knapsack mist dusters and several other agricultural implements to support farmers across the state.

According to him, the inauguration of the 2026 farming season commenced on Thursday evening at the Agricultural Hub on Oko-Ogba Road, Benin City, with farmers and stakeholders across the 18 local government areas in attendance.

He quoted Okpebholo, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, who monitored the exercise and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture for food security across the state.

Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to increased funding for agriculture and implementation of programmes aimed at supporting farmers under its SHINE development agenda.

The governor stressed the importance of agriculture as a sustainable livelihood, noting that food production remains central to human survival and cannot be replaced by other professions.

Okpebholo also warned against diversion of farm inputs, insisting that distribution must reach genuine farmers and not political beneficiaries within the agricultural support system.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, said the programme was aimed at launching the 2026 farming season while promoting modern agricultural practices and timely planning among farmers.

Beneficiaries commended the initiative and appealed for additional government support to boost productivity and ensured a successful 2026 planting season across the state.