Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has distributed 637 million naira cheques to Cooperatives and Communities’ farmer groups in the state to boost agricultural production for food sufficiency.
The Governor disclosed this at the launch of 2023 farming season organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji also hinted that the World Bank Assisted rural road construction Programme would soon start in Ekiti with the rehabilitation of 74 km access roads which would enable farmers transport their farm products from the farms to the markets for sale, stressing further that 1000 km rural roads would be constructed across the state to boost food production with a view to improving the state’s economy.
The Governor who assured the farmers that kidnapping, farmer- herder clashes and other unrest militating against farmer’s productivity would be things of the past in the state, mentioned some of the achievements recorded through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to include, financial assistance to Poultry farmers, employment of 42 Produce Inspectors to checkmate the nefarious activities of produce smugglers as well as subsidizing input to cashew, cassava and other cash crops farmers in the state.
He advised the farmers to patronize Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as tractors were now available for large scale cultivation at subsidized rates.
The Governor who promised to look into all the challenges itemised by the chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN) Mr. Alagbada, described Agriculture as the highest employer of labour in Ekiti and the need to assist farmers.
He advised the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas Chairmen to support the state government in empowering the farmers in their areas to make farming more attractive and competitive.
In his welcome address the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said about 2000 farmers across the state would benefit from the revolving fund programme, designed to move people out of poverty.
He thanked the Governor for his assistance to the Ministry and advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money.
The Special Adviser told the beneficiaries to ensure that the money is paid back for others to benefit.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Ekiti State, Mr Alagbada commended the Governor for the various supports farmers in the state have derived from his administration which include subsidized inputs, revolving loans and supply of hybrid seedlings at affordable prices.
Mr Alagbada who highlighted some of their challenges to include poor rural road network, inadequacy of Extension Officers and lack of mobility among others, appealed for the Governor’s intervention in solving some of the problems.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
