By Justus Adetomiwa
The Ondo State Government has announced that it is engaging with stakeholders to scale up the initiative involving the organic bio-fertiliser developed by a FUTA scientist, with the aim of integrating it into farming practices across the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, who is also the Chairman of OSAEC, Mr Rotimi Akinsola, made this known while speaking during a training session on the use of the groundbreaking organic bio-fertiliser, held for farmers in the state.
Akinsola, who described the initiative as a “game changer”, said it marks a turning point for agriculture in Ondo State.
“We’re talking about a locally developed bio-fertiliser that is both effective and environmentally friendly,” Akinsola said.
He revealed that cocoa, maize and oil palm farmers in the state are already participating in the pilot phase of the project.
“We’re committed to making this a permanent feature of our agricultural system,” he added.
The organic fertiliser scientifically known as Rhizobial Inoculant, was developed by Dr (Mrs) Shola Makinde, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology at FUTA. The product is made from degradable organic waste such as rice husks, sugarcane bagasse and poultry dung, combined with beneficial microbes to boost soil fertility and crop yield.
Dr Makinde, who led the technical session during the training, highlighted the multiple benefits of switching to organic inputs, stressing that Bio-fertilisers are not only better for soil and plant health, but that they also reduce farming costs and protect our environment.
According to her, the innovation has already gained international attention and research support, and its adoption will drastically reduce the state’s reliance on imported chemical fertilisers.
To encourage adoption, free samples of the Rhizobial Inoculant were distributed to farmers at the event for testing across various crops.
Farmers praised the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention amid rising production costs. Many expressed optimism that the shift to organic fertilisers would improve productivity, reduce input expenses, and safeguard long-term soil health.
With this development, Ondo State is positioning itself as a model for eco-conscious and cost-effective agriculture in Nigeria.