The Ondo state government has called on the Federal Government to beef up security around farms and farmers across the nation to enhance food production in the country.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo made the call in Akure, to commemorate the 2023 World Food Day in partnership with the Small Scale Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria (SWOFON)  Ondo state chapter with the theme: “Water Is Life, Water Is Food.”.

He said the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration has procured graders and tractors for grading of roads to farmsteads to check wastage of farm produce and provide access to markets.

The commissioner, therefore, cautioned some farmers selling off farm inputs distributed to them by the state government.

He explained that the state government would not relent in encouraging youths and other persons who are interested in going into farming by providing them with the wherewithal needed.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on  Agric & Agribusiness, Mr. Akin Olotu called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give approval for the establishment of state police and local government constabulary to effectively secure the farmers and their farms.

He also called on the Federal Government to design programme on how to conserve water during raining season and flooding for the use of farmers during the dry season.

Chairman of Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association (OSACA), Mr. Gbenga Obaweya,  appealed to the state government to help in collection of data on farm value chains for the use of farmers.

He said it would avail the state the opportunity of projecting on agricultural programmes.

In a remark, State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Akeem Ogundeko expressed federal government’s readiness to improve food production in the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt the following presidential priorities are our core agenda and are well aligned with the mandate and operations of our ministry which include; Food Security, Economic growth and job creation, Poverty Eradication, Inclusivity (youth and women and enabling environment for our individual, groups and the private sector.