ODSG, firm train 50 graduates in agric

By Adekola Afolabi
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Determined to ensure sustainable agricultural development and improved yields, Ondo state government in partnership with Orbital Solutions Global Services, are adopting technology to raise future farmers.

To this end, the Ondo State Agric-Business Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) in collaboration with Orbital Solutions Global Services, has successfully trained 50 young graduates on how to use drone technology to boost agricultural businesses and reduce stress on the farm.

Speaking at the end of the 5-day extensive training programme in Akure, the Ondo state capital, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agric-Business, Akin Olotu, explained that agricultural drones would allow farmers to obtain access to a wealth of data they could use to make better management decisions, improve crop yields, and increase overall profitability.

Olotu added that 100 participants were selected across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state out of which 50 have now been trained in the first batch on the usage of drone, saying that the remaining 50 would begin their training this July.

Olotu noted that the new technology would properly guide farmers on how to farm in all seasons, apply necessary application on crops to improve their yields and save money as wells ensure food sufficiency without much labouring.

On his part, the CEO Orbital Solutions Global Services, Mr Adewale Adegoke, said the programme was designed to build the capacity of the participants, stressing that they are also working with an academic institution FUTA, to create a sustainable environment where there would be continuous flow of information.

He further revealed that a toll-free agric-help line has also been developed for farmers to call for necessary assistance from the beneficiaries of the training programme to improve their farm produce and others, just as he added that the participants could also develop their own businesses around agriculture and other areas.

Adegoke who is in charge of the training asserted that the drones could be used to collect data relating to crop yields, livestock health, soil quality, nutrient measurements, weather and rainfall results, among others.

He noted that the high-level drone technology would help remedy the various challenges facing farmers on their farms and provide fast and efficient solutions.

After their theoretical training, the participants were taken to the Federal College of Agriculture, FECA, Akure for practicals.

Some of the participants including Femi Akintufede and Adekanmi Bosede, appreciated the state government and the Orbital Solutions for the training, saying it has equipped them with new technology to address agricultural challenges to ensure improved yields.