Ondo govt outlines initiatives to boost food production
The Ondo State government has reinforced its commitment to boosting food production and agribusiness development through enhanced farmer-government collaboration. In a strategic meeting with farmers in Akure, Mr. Wemimo Akinsola, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, outlined the government’s plans to ensure a successful planting season and improve agricultural productivity.
Akinsola emphasized that the state is shifting from palliative distribution to long-term agricultural solutions that will create a self-sufficient food system. He urged farmers to work closely with the government to drive food production, ensure land availability for farming, and maximize agricultural resources.
“We are moving beyond short-term interventions. This is about creating a sustainable framework where farmers are at the center of agricultural transformation. We have the capacity, and now, collaboration is key,” Akinsola stated.
To support mechanization, he assured farmers that tractors and other essential farming equipment would be made available, with management placed under private sector control to prevent misuse.
Stakeholder representatives at the meeting echoed the importance of unity among farmers. Mr. Abiodun Adejo, Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), encouraged farmers to form cooperatives to strengthen their bargaining power and access better opportunities. Similarly, Mr. Abayomi Monilari, President of the Ondo State Farmers Congress, affirmed farmers’ readiness to align with government initiatives for improved harvests and profitability.
A crucial concern raised by Mr. Olawande Fadipe, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Ondo State Chapter, was the need for enhanced security measures to protect farmers and their produce. He urged the government to prioritize safety, ensuring that insecurity does not hinder agricultural productivity.
With these engagements, Ondo State is taking proactive steps to drive agricultural transformation by fostering collaboration between government and farmers, ensuring access to resources, and addressing key sector challenges such as mechanization and security.
Source- Guardian
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The approach taken by the Ondo State government signals a strategic shift toward a more structured and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Here are key insights for agri-food stakeholders:
- Shift from Palliatives to Sustainable Agribusiness Development
The government’s decision to phase out palliative distribution in favor of long-term agricultural investments is a positive step toward sectoral sustainability. Agribusiness investors and value chain players should leverage this transition to engage in public-private partnerships that drive mechanization, input supply, and extension services. - Mechanization and Private Sector Involvement
The commitment to providing tractors and other essential farm equipment under private sector management presents an opportunity for agribusiness firms. Stakeholders in farm mechanization should position themselves for potential partnerships in equipment leasing and maintenance. - Farmer Cooperatives as a Growth Strategy
The call for farmers to form cooperatives is a strategic move to enhance access to financing, bulk input purchases, and structured market linkages. Stakeholders in agribusiness financing and commodity trading should collaborate with these cooperatives to streamline supply chains and improve market efficiency. - Security as a Critical Factor in Agricultural Productivity
The concern raised by poultry farmers on security highlights a major challenge in Nigeria’s agri-food sector. Government agencies, farmer groups, and agribusiness investors must advocate for stronger policies and community-led security initiatives to safeguard farms and food production zones.
The Ondo State government’s renewed focus on collaborative engagement, mechanization, and farmer-driven agricultural transformation presents significant opportunities for growth in the sector. However, ensuring long-term success will require sustained investments, strategic partnerships, and policies that enhance farmer productivity and market access. Stakeholders must actively participate in shaping this transformation for a resilient and profitable agricultural ecosystem.
