The Commissioner for Agriculture in Edo State, Mr Abdul Oroh, said that 350 graduates in the state had been trained in agriculture extension services under the Edo State Youth Employment Services (EDOYES).

Oroh, who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Benin, said that the programme was aimed at creating employment for the youths and boosting food production in the state.

He said the youths had been trained in various farm techniques and were expected to train farmers in the state on the techniques.

He explained that the programme was also conceived as a platform for assisting farmers to know the right thing to do and the right time to do so.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had concluded plans to put most of its farm settlements into useful purposes.

He said the plan included preparation of farmlands, which would be given to youths for cultivation of various crops.

“We believe that this programme will help in taking some youths out of the labour market.

“The youths that will benefit from the scheme will be given incentives such as loans and farm inputs to assist them; they will also be trained on farming systems.

“We want to be able to put every land that is lying fallow into productive use and also create employment opportunity as well as boost food production in the state,” he said.

Oroh, who has been commissioner in the agriculture ministry since the inception of Mr Adams Oshiomhole’s government, reiterated the government’s resolve to improve the fortunes of agriculture in the state.

“Our cardinal objective is to enhance the capacity of our farmers to produce enough food to guarantee food security in the state.

“It is also intended as contribution to national food security and to attract more investment to the agro sector in the state.

“We are also poised to increase the development of the agricultural value chain, create jobs and increase the state tax net,” he stated.