By Fatima Muraina

The Ondo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers across all sectors to enhance productivity and ensure they receive good returns for their hard work.

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, gave this assurance at the 2024 Ondo State International Agric Show and Food Fair (OSIAFFA), held today at the International Event Center (DOME) in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, High Chief Olayato Aribo, stated that the administration has begun the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to farming communities.

“We are also collaborating with intervention agencies such as the World Bank to do more in this direction. This will facilitate the transportation of farm produce to areas where they can be easily sold, helping to reduce post-harvest losses,” he said.

He mentioned that the state will not relent in its resolve to regularly release grants to farmer organizations like the Ondo State Cooperatives Federation (OSCOPED) and the Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association (OSACA) as a mark of support for agricultural organizations in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who highlighted some of the government’s innovations in the agricultural sector, mentioned the establishment of the RED GOLD Oil Palm Project, the inauguration and training of youths in the fishery and aquaculture value chain under the “BLUE REVOLUTION” initiative, the implementation of the World Bank partnership on the Fadama N-CARES program to support agricultural entrepreneurship and provide jobs for youths, women, and vulnerable groups, as well as the prompt payment of counterpart funds for national and international projects such as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), among others.

He warned encroachers and land grabbers to desist from illegal activities on government land and forest reserves, or face the consequences of the law.

While congratulating OSACA on the celebration of this year’s OSIAFFA, Aiyedatiwa encouraged every adult in the state to practise agriculture by growing some of the food they consume instead of solely relying on buying, which has caused the prices of these commodities to rise.

“We can do this through home gardening, sack farming, and other innovative agricultural methods,” he implored.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Abubakar Kyari, represented by the State Coordinator, Mr. Hakeem Ogundeko, in his remarks, assured the state and OSACA members of the federal government’s continued partnership. He noted that the ministry has just concluded the growth enhancement scheme and that the agro-pocket wet season, which will soon commence, has compiled a list of 1,000 farmers in the state who will receive various agricultural inputs.

The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is aimed at enhancing livestock development and controlling the frequent herders’ clashes in the country.

Earlier, the State Chairman of OSACA, Chief Abiodun Adejo, stated that the association has been at the forefront of advocating for and representing the interests of farmers in the state.

He added that this year’s theme, “Food Processing: A Panacea for Food Insecurity,” emphasizes the critical role of value addition in agriculture to ensure a consistent food supply, reduce wastage, and promote economic growth. OSACA, he disclosed, is committed to providing solutions that will not only support farmers but also strengthen the state’s efforts to combat food insecurity.

He assured the readiness of farmers to work with the government on all fronts, particularly as the ministries for livestock development and the marine and blue economy are now based in the state.

Highlight of the event included the investiture of the state governor as the Agbotagbe 1 and the former Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, as a life patron of OSACA, as well as the exhibition of various agricultural products and services for the people of Ondo State.