Ondo govt outlines initiatives to boost food production

Mr Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Ondo State Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, on Wednesday met with farmers aimed at boosting food production in the state.

Akinsola, while addressing the farmers in Akure, said the meeting was part of government efforts toward the development of the agricultural sector.

He reiterated the state government’s efforts and commitment to boost Agriculture and Agribusinesses.

Akinsola said that the state government needed the collaboration of the farmers to ensure that its plans of having sufficient food production succeed.

The SSA who said that the state government had mapped out plans for a successful planting season, noted that the government had stopped the era of sharing palliatives.

“The aim is to let you know what the state is planning. We are here to achieve our objectives, the state needs collaboration, we have all it takes, this is the first time we are bringing ourselves together.

“I am not the only expert; I am only fortunate to be here, so l need to carry you along. We need to bring members together on how to move forward.

“We have to engage the community to have more lands for agriculture in the state.

“You are the engine room, so the primary aim is how do we improve our production,” he said.

Akinsola assured that tractors and other equipment would be made available which would be managed by private sector to prevent abuse.

Speaking, Mr Abiodun Adejo, Chairman, Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), said farmers should come together, form a cooperative to become a pressure group, instead of going around seeking for help individually.

Also, the President of Ondo State Farmers Congress, Mr Abayomi Monilari, said that farmers were ready to work with government toward having bumper harvest for better profit.

Also, Mr Olawande Fadipe, Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Ondo State Chapter, urged government to ensure the security of farmers and their products to have maximum production.