By Roseline Okakah
The Ondo State Government has unveiled plans to establish senatorial farms across the state, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering food security.
Speaking at a beans production training programme organised by the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Mr Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Agriculture and Agribusiness detailed government’s efforts to address food scarcity.
“In tackling food security, we, as a government, have taken the bull by the horns. “We are creating senatorial farms, cultivating about 2,000 hectares in each senatorial district. These farms, managed by private firms, will be fully equipped with resources, including cottage industries for local processing.” Akinsola disclosed.
He further explained that farmers would be allocated portions of land within these farms, and the state would “off-take whatever they produce in each district to meet our local consumption needs.”
While lauding OSACA’s efforts, Akinsola urged the association to deepen collaboration with federal agricultural bodies to expand access to resources and opportunities.
Speaking at the event, OSACA chairman, Chief Fredrick Adejo said that the initiative responds to rising bean prices and limited local production.
Adejo represented by Rev. Oluleye Gideon stated that “our people lack the necessary skills for beans production, and beans prices are skyrocketing. This training aims to reverse that trend, fostering mass and commercial-scale production of beans within our state,” .
Mr Oju Joseph, a consultant from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and resource person for the training, provided participants with practical insights into high-yield farming techniques.
Former OSACA Chairman, Mr Gbenga Obaweya, stressed the need for continuous development among farmers.
Mr Ogunleye Babajide, Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), represented by Mrs Justinah Arogundade, Director of Agricultural Technical Services, encouraged farmers to leverage the training to enhance food sufficiency.