By Fatima Muraina

The Ondo State Government has distributed a range of farm inputs to farmers in preparation for the 2025 planting season, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote food sufficiency and support local agricultural activities.

The distribution, which took place in Akure over the weekend, included various agrochemicals such as Atrashi, Organic Coco, Cijfertex Insecticide, Fieldklear, Dragon, Clyphotex, and Super Gro, among others.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agri-Business, Mr Rotimi Akinsola, who also chairs the State Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the initiative’s focus on boosting farmers’ productivity and recognising their contributions.

He noted the need for further support from donor agencies to improve farming across the state.

Akinsola described the agri-business initiative, championed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as part of the government’s strategy to shift farming activities from reserves to communities. This, he said, would offer numerous benefits, including job creation, economic development, and reduced unemployment.

“Our focus next year will be on primary production, both at the senatorial farm and cluster farms, with an emphasis on farming as a business,” Akinsola said.

He clarified that expanding agriculture into communities would utilise the larger expanse of available land, compared to government reserves, while ensuring the protection of landowners’ rights.

“This is not to say the government is coming to grab their land, as the executive order signed by the governor explicitly prohibits land grabbing,” he said.

Akinsola explained that the government would engage communities and traditional rulers to secure agreements with proper documentation before any land use.

“These lands will be used for government programmes and investor initiatives, with yearly payments made for their usage,” he said.

He added that initial meetings with traditional rulers had already been held, resulting in agreements that would ensure the initiative benefits all stakeholders.

Reassuring the public, Akinsola stressed that the arrangement would be mutually beneficial for both the communities and the state.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of Agbeladun Agricultural Empowerment, Mr Frankline Fadoju, expressed gratitude to the state government, noting that the initiative would significantly impact the forthcoming planting season.

Fadoju praised the governor’s commitment to farmers, emphasising that all farmers in the state are united in their dedication to transforming Ondo into an agriculturally driven economy, reducing dependence on oil.