By Justus Adetomiwa
To promote sustainable agriculture and reduce reliance on imported chemical fertilisers, the Ondo State Agricultural Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), in collaboration with Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA),TETFUND, and Nigeria Health Watch, has trained farmers across the state on the use of organic bio-fertilisers.
The training, themed “Adoption of Bio-Fertiliser for Agronomy in Ondo State, Nigeria,” was held on Wednesday, at the OSAEC office in Akure, drawing farmers, agricultural experts, and government officials to learn modern,and environmentally friendly farming techniques.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness and Chairman of OSAEC, Mr. Rotimi Akinsola, described the initiative as a “game changer” for farmers in the state.
According to him, the bio-fertiliser innovation was developed by Dr. (Mrs.) Shola Makinde, a senior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology at FUTA, who has received international recognition and research grants for the breakthrough.
“We are seeing a new innovation coming to the state a bio-fertiliser developed here at FUTA by Dr. Makinde. Unlike chemical fertilisers that are imported and expensive, this is natural, locally made, and very effective.
“Our cocoa, maize, and oil palm farmers are already part of the trial phase, and we believe this will save money and improve soil health.
“This is a locally developed solution that has already gained international attention, and we want Ondo farmers to be the first to benefit,” he said.
Akinsola further disclosed that the state government is in talks with relevant stakeholders to provide institutional support and ensure large-scale adoption of the bio-fertiliser across all agricultural sectors in the state.
“We are collaborating with FUTA and other agencies to ensure that this initiative grows and becomes sustainable. This will reduce our dependence on imported fertilisers and help us convert waste products into useful agricultural inputs,” he said.
In her remarks, Dr. Shola Makinde, a senior lecturer at the FUTA, who led the technical session at the event, enlightened the farmers on the composition and benefits of the bio-fertiliser scientifically known as Rhizobial Inoculant which is produced from degradable organic waste such as rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and poultry dung mixed with beneficial microorganisms to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity.
“The essence of this programme is to sensitise the public on the benefits of bio-fertilisers as effective alternatives to chemical fertilisers.
“Bio-fertilisers not only improve soil quality but are also healthier for humans, the environment, and our food system. When we use degradable materials and natural microbes, we enhance plant growth, reduce production costs, and protect the environment,” she explained.
Dr. Makinde emphasised that the use of organic fertilisers supports environmental sustainability and long-term soil fertility, adding that it helps reduce the harmful effects associated with chemical fertilisers on crops and water systems.
As part of the event, organic bio-fertiliser samples (Rhizobial inoculants) were distributed to participating farmers to encourage adoption and field testing across various crop types.
Farmers who attended the programme expressed appreciation to FUTA, TETFUND, and the Ondo State Government for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial amid rising costs of agricultural inputs.