From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
As part of the agricultural diversification strategy geared towards economic revival in the State, Osun State Government is set to glide on institutional partnerships in the upscaling of food production and agricultural development post COVID-19.
Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode disclosed this after the State’s virtual Executive Council meeting on Monday.
She said the state government is planning big for agricultural development and it is taking calculated steps to ensure that its plans are actualised.
“Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Adedayo Adewole, briefed Council of the state’s strategic partnership layout for agriculture and agribusiness. These are partnerships designed to improve the fortunes of farmers in the state and to encourage youths to come into the sector.
“Osun has identified 3000 hectares in Ila Orangun for cassava production, and will be partnering with the South West Agric Company (SWACO) on this project. Already 650 names have been submitted for the cassava production project.
“With respect to maize production, the State Government of Osun is targeting 2000 farmers for the project, under a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) programme”, she added.
Speaking further on agricultural projects, Egbemode disclosed that land mapping has begun in the State for CBN Cotton Anchors Borrowers Programme (ABP) intervention as well as the CBN programme in maize production, adding that “2000 farmers are being targeted for the ABP intervention”.
Further on the list of institutional partners, Egbemode said that “Agric Matters has promised to train 500 farmers in plantain, mushrooms and vegetable production and also in fisheries.
“Also, Nigeria CARES (COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus), a FADAMA World Bank Assisted Project, is proposed to commence in the State by early October”, she added.
