By Roseline Okakah

The Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association, (OSACA), has called on the Ondo state Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the state Egg Powdered Factory is completed. 

The state chairman of the Association, Mr Gbenga Obaweya stated this in an interview with The Hope yesterday.

Obaweya charged the State government to hasten the completion of the Factory due to its positive impact on the local economy, adding that it would also create employment opportunities.

Obaweya who reeled out farmers’ expectations from the governor, expressed their desire for the seamless continuation of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s successful agricultural initiatives, emphasizing the importance of building on the momentum achieved in previous years.

He called on the Ondo State Cocoa Council to actualize cocoa bond in order to make the farmers achieve their goals and to improve the growth of cocoa industries in particular. 

Obaweya stressed on the need for the successful implementation of the Red Gold Project, focusing on oil palm cultivation with the expectation that it will contribute significantly to the state’s economic development. 

While addressing the challenges faced by farmers, Obaweya called for effective land clearing interventions, emphasizing the need for accessible and fertile land for agricultural activities.

Speaking on the necessity of rehabilitation of rural and farm roads during dry season, Obaweya mentioned the importance of infrastructure which will enhance connectivity and ease transportation of agricultural produce.

“The farmers seek the continuation of subsidies on agricultural inputs, underlining its crucial role in supporting and sustaining their farming activities,” he stated.

According to Obaweya, timely access to agricultural inputs is paramount, but that the urgency for the swift release of the recently procured batch of inputs by the government would be an added advantage. 

He said the farmers look forward to continued engagement with Agricultural Commodity Associations and the Ondo State Commodities Association (OSACA) in collaborative efforts to chart a successful path forward in 2024.