The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on government at all levels to support farmers by providing mechanised technologies to boost food security in the country.

The Governor, among other prominent dignitaries, stated this during the 37th Edition of the yearly South West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS) Workshop of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, with the theme: “Transforming Agriculture through Innovations, Climate Resilience, and Value Chain Development For Food Security.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Olalekan Emmanuel Akinola, while declaring the event opened, Aiyedatiwa, who disclosed that government should ensure that grants are allocated to real farmers, instead of political farmers, said the untoward development could be a threat to food security in the country.

He also called on researchers to ensure that the results of their research get to the farmers and not limited to the shelf so that farmers can implement the outcome of the researches for optimum food productions. “If farming and technology could work together, here will be food security in the country.”

While delivering his keynote address, the Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. Lateef Sanni, hinted that about 800 million people are food insecure globally, stating that government needs to work together sincerely with farmers to achieve good results in terms of achieving food security.

The keynote speaker, who was represented by Dr. Mariam Bola Aremu also maintained that farmers needs to always adopt the results of the research works, most especially in the area of unpredicted weather, so as to know when and the type of crops to be planted at the appropriate time.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and Chairman of Institute Governing Board, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire stated that innovation must not be optional any longer; it must be foundational. “From improved seed technologies and digital extension platforms to precision irrigation systems and climate-smart agriculture, research must translate into practical, scalable solutions for farmers.”

He also stated that knowledge must move from laboratories to land, from theory to thriving farms. Climate resilience is equally critical.
Bamire, however, called on the management of IAR&T to move closely to Nigerian farmers, as well as government agencies to come for knowledge for improved farming to boost food security.

Prof. Oluwatosin stated that the theme: “Transforming Agriculture through Innovation, Climate Resilience and Value Chain Development for Food Security,” speaks directly to the realities confronting the nation’s agricultural systems today. He maintained that food security is no longer merely a developmental aspiration; it is a strategic necessity for national stability, economic growth, and social well-being.

“Collaboration demands commitment. Let us use this platform not only to present papers, but to forge partnerships, refine technologies, and chart practical pathways toward resilient and profitable agricultural systems” Prof. Oluwatosin said.

In his remarks, the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko while speaking at the powered-profile event called for a synergy between the government and the farmers, so as to ensure some of the products from the farms are not allowed to rotten.

He specifically advocated for a price mechanism because according to him the farmers become the losers at the end when they have no one to buy their goods after investing lots of money into the production.

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) General Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke, while responding to series of questions disclosed that the gathering was not complete without the financial agencies, such as, the Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture.

He stated that the major challenge facing farmers is financing, which according to him disallowed them from hiring equipment to boost their productions.

He also advocated that farmers should be contacted from the grassroots and not political farmers who have been collecting farmers’ loan without any farm.