State project coordinator of the programme, Mr Edward Izevbigie, told newsmen in Benin that the empowerment was with the concept of cultivating hectares per farmer.

Izevbigie added that 12 production clusters and 55 production groups were supported across the three senatorial districts.

“In Edo South, 280 farmers were empowered to cultivate 280 hectares of rice in Iguoriakhi in Ovia South and Iguomo/Aideyanba communities in Ovia North East Local Government Areas the state.

“In Edo Central, 92 farmers were empowered to cultivate 92 hectares of rice in Illushi community in Esan South East local government area.

“In Edo North, 182 farmers were empowered to cultivate 182 hectares of rice Okugbe-Agenebode in Etsako East Government Area and Warrake in Owan East Local Government Area,” he said.

The coordinator further explained that the Fadama 111 project was currently ongoing in Edo because the state government met the eligibility criteria, including the payment of counterpart funds from 2017 to date.