The Ondo State Government has described the approval of the $500 million Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project by the World Bank as a critical boost for the country’s agricultural sector.
The state, through the Office of the Chairman of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) and the Food Security Committee, said the initiative comes at a time when deliberate investments are needed to transform agriculture into a commercially viable and globally competitive sector.
In a statement, the government noted that Nigeria’s agricultural industry continues to face major constraints, including limited access to quality inputs, weak value chain integration, inadequate infrastructure, and the growing impact of climate change.
It stressed that the AGROW programme is structured to address these challenges by improving productivity, strengthening market access, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
The state highlighted that the programmes which focuses on key commodities such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans, aligns with its agricultural priorities.
It added that it has already taken steps to boost agribusiness through digital farmer data systems, commodity-based cluster development, and policies aimed at attracting private-sector investment in processing and value addition.
To maximise the benefits of the initiative, the government outlined plans to establish a comprehensive farmer registry, promote agribusiness clusters, and expand public–private partnerships.
It also pledged to invest in post-harvest infrastructure, encourage youth and women’s participation, and adopt technology-driven solutions for extension services and farm monitoring.
Reacting to the development, former Ondo State chairman of the Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Mr Gbenga Obaweya, described the programme as a welcome development capable of transforming the sector. He, however, stressed the need for sincerity among stakeholders in both planning and execution.
Obaweya urged the state government to ensure prompt payment of counterpart funds for assisted projects, guarantee the success of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), support land-clearing efforts, and establish land preparation service centres.
He also called for properly designated and secured cluster farms, non-politicisation of beneficiaries, and guaranteed pricing for farmers’ produce to ensure the state fully benefits from the initiative.