By Rose Okakah

Ondo State Government has warned encroachers in its forest reserves to comply with  government’s directives.

Farmers were also encouraged to be involved in proper processing, packaging and storage of agricultural products as government is implementing the dry season farming.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave the warning at the third International Agricultural show and food fair held  at the International Culture and Events Centre (The DOME) in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Akeredolu who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, said proper and organised management of the forest reserves is imperative for security reasons.

According to him, individuals interest should not surpass that of the state, especially when it comes to security issues.

He observed that criminals and kidnappers are taking advantage of the activities of encroachers within the forests to perpetuate criminal acts.

He added that criminal now use the forest reserves as hideouts to attack their victims and also keep them there to demand and collect ransom before releasing them.

The Governor implored OSACA, the organiser of the programme to urgently put in place a programme that will assist farmers and investors in agricultural ventures.

“We need an organised window to finance them as no commercial bank will be willing to offer farmers friendly loan with long term.

The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Abubakr Kyari who was represented by the state Coordinator of the Ministry, Mr Hakeem Ogundeko encouraged farmers on proper processing, packaging and storage of agricultural products.

He advised farmers to embrace organic farming and to limit the use of inorganic chemicals.

While reiterating the importance of agriculture to economic and industrial development of the nation, Kyari expressed happiness to witness the enthusiasm and determination of farmers to produce massive food and raw materials for industrial use.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chairman of Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association OSACA, Mr Gbenga Obaweya said this year’s theme: “Agricultural Commodities: Basic Instruments for Economic and Industrial Revolution”, underscores the pivotal roles of agriculture in transforming the economy.

Obaweya called on government to subsidize agriculture, noting that food security is more important than any other issue affecting the nation.

He charged the federal government to start its restructuring from the agricultural sector as he advised strongly on decentralization of the approving authorities of most of the NDAs at the federal level.