By Fatima Muraina

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The two billion naira recently approved by the Ondo State Government for food production would address the current food shortage and ensure sufficiency in the state, stakeholders have noted.

According to them, the money allocated which is in two categories would provide enough food for the citizenry at highly subsidized rate, while also assisting farmers to produce food in large quantity.

The Chairman, Ondo State Food Security Committee and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agric and Agribusiness, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola; Chairman, Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association (OSACA), Chief Abiodun Adejo and the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Abayomi Monilari, in separate interviews said that the government initiatives would bring a big relief to the citizens and farmers in the state.

Chairman of Food Security Committee disclosed that the money approved would be used in critical areas to address the current food crisis.

Akinsola explained that the first phase of the N2 billion was to provide food for the citizens at a highly reduced price of 25 percent discount at the designated Sunday markets in the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said the second phase was to procure inputs for farmers to encourage massive food production.

“The farmers’ inputs are to enhance production, while phase one is to relieve the pressure we are facing.

Akinsola further disclosed that the State Government would provide about 20 tractors to help farmers clear their lands free of charge.

“We are also going to buy some hand tillers which farmers can purchase at a discount, and some inputs will also be sold to farmers at a discount.

“We will be making some movable processing plants available in the next couple of months to cassava cluster areas. Investors who buy our cassava should acquire land and plant their own cassava for their needs.

“This will allow our people to have the opportunity to make more money by processing their cassava instead of selling it due to distance,” he added.

The Senior Special Assistant also mentioned that the registration of farmers would not be left out to ensure all numbers are captured to benefit from government incentives, inputs, and other support.

On his part, OSACA Chairman, Adejo, said the state has already compiled a list of about 750,000 hectares of farmland to be cleared free of charge for the farmers.

“There are implements and chemicals for maintaining the farms; all these will be sold to farmers at subsidized rates, which I believe will help them grow better for the state,” he added.

Monilari, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, described the initiative as critical, and will address the current food shortage being experienced.

 Monilari, who is also the State President of the Farmers Congress, disclosed that the amount released aligned with the proposal presented by the Committee on Food Security to address the current hardship.

 “The government is trying to use this as assistance to help farmers produce more, and I hope those administering the funds will do so effectively,” he said.