Importance of agric stressed
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said his administration will continue to devote necessary resources to the agricultural sector in order for it to take its rightful position as the state cash cow.
The Governor who spoke as the special guest of honour at the 32nd South West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS) which took place during the week at The Institute Of Agricultural Research and Training, Moore Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State said the only way Nigeria can catch up with other nations which have developed the sector to an enviable level is not to take agriculture as a vocation, but as a business.
Speaking on the theme “Promoting Agribusiness and Strengthening Stakeholders Linkages in Adapting to Climate Change” the Governor represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati, described the event as timely, considering the need to handle and treat agriculture in all ramifications as a business in order to prevent or minimize the damages associated with the adverse effects of climate on Agriculture.
Akeredolu also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of his administration since he came to office in spite of its limited.
According to the Governor, his government has paid all counterpart funds for all externally funded Agricultural projects programmes that will benefit our people such as Fadama 111 Additional Financing Project where One hundred and Seventy five Million Naira was paid in 2017 and Ninety three million naira in 2018.
The governor who held his audience spell bound said in addition to these, his administration has established a 2000 hectares Cocoa Plantation at Ijugbere Owo for youths, rehabilitated the 1,744 hectares at Oda Cocoa Estate and shared it to sharecroppers for proper management, partnered Chinese Firm Win – Win Textile Company to establish a textile factory at Industrial Pack, Ore which has commenced operations.
Furthermore, Ondo state government is collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through PPP for the establishment of a Cassava to Ethanol Factory at Okeluse, Ifon, establishment of Egg Powder Production Industry at Emure- ile in Owo,programmed to commence operations this year among others.
In line with the aims of Sustainable Development Goals Akeredolu said the state is partnering several Donor agencies and Development partners to bring into the state life transformation projects and programmes such as IFAD and the Niger Delta Development Commission.
