By Jimoh Ahmed, Owo

Worried by the outbreak of soil-borne diseases in their farms, Akoko farmers have called on the Ondo State Government to come to their aid before they lose all their farm products to these controllable diseases.

According to them, the diseases affecting tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, and even yams are working against bountiful harvests and productivity.

They posited that the development may further affect the current high price of food in the country.

They, therefore, pleaded with the government to make pesticides and chemicals available either at subsidised prices or provide financial assistance to combat the situation.

However, findings by The Hope revealed that this might be connected to the lack of rain for the past three weeks.

Two farmers, Mr. Sunday Omogboye from Ikakumo and Mrs. Florence Adamolekun from Okeagbe Akoko, disclosed that farmers will lose substantial investments due to the present situation.

The duo posited that the development has been discouraging prospective farmers from going into the farming business.

An agricultural expert, Mr. Mukaila Ayodele, who described the situation as a result of climate change, which is a global phenomenon, stated that the development has serious effects on food production.

According to him, this will cause a shortage in output and may eventually lead to famine.