The Xtralarge farms and resorts has taken a giant step to lead the revolution for the rebranding of sustainable agriculture in Nigeria through tourism.The Managing Director of the firm, Dr. Moji Davids, who disclosed this at a press conference to announce the kick off of a 90 day long celebration of the World Agritourism Festival 2025, said in the firm’s over one and half decade in the agric value chain and space, they have watched events unfold, many of which are gradually leading to the collapse of the art of agriculture if care is not taken.

“We asked ourselves, what exactly is the issue, why are so many people running away from farming? Why is the cost of food products on an alarmingly increasing progression? Why have most of our youths and even the older generation decided to abandon agriculture in pursuit of other businesses?

“The answers are not far-fetched – it’s the challenges, the struggles, the pains, the losses, the hard, tedious, and boring look that agriculture in our nation is wearing today. An apparel that epitomises poverty, hopelessness, insecurity and hardship…and if we watch on like this, there’s going to be a very big problem with food security as it’s already looming.

“What can we do to salvage this situation? Rebrand agriculture, wear a new apparel for it, make it fun and attractive to all, make people proud to be identified as farmers, promote far stays and visit, train the younger ones, make it profitable and less stressful…and that is why we are all gathered here today,” she said.

Davids noted that the firm has put it upon itself to champion the cause to lead the revolution for the rebranding of sustainable agriculture through tourism, as “we drive the campaign all around the world, especially to our people in diaspora.

“This movement will encourage active participation of more people into the sector, provide better enabling environments for farmers, improve their quality of lives, provide more jobs, generate more wealth and at the end of the day increase food production and security in our nation and of course have a positive effect on our economy.

“We are glad to pioneer this cause, we are proud to lead the path as others join us, we are confident that with the support of all our people across the world, we shall all get there.”

The managing director added that the festival, which will officially kick off on May 16, in alignment with the world agritourism day to August 12, 2025, comprises four virtual summits – two road shows; one agritourism conference/expo; four farm stays/holidays and four farmers market solidarity shows, with 30 hands on training in different organisations, schools and set ups. She said: “All geared to reach out to minimum one million Nigerians joining the revolution and campaign for sustainable agriculture via tourism….”