Ogun supports farmers with inputs to boost food production
The Ogun State Government has stated that it has lent its support to farmers in the state in a bid to cushion the effect of the current high food prices and boost food production.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this recently during a retreat organised for the management of the Ministry of Agriculture, with the theme ‘Achieving Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State: The Place of Public Servants,’ held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He noted that the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food security is crucial for the well-being and survival of the nation at large.
According to Owotomo, Ogun, in line with the Federal Government’s objectives, has been encouraging dry-season farming to ensure all-year-round planting.
He added that the state had been able to reach out to 500 farmers within one week with inputs and other materials needed for dry season planting, with support from the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders.
He also assured the residents of the state government’s readiness to produce more agricultural inputs to the markets.
He declared that efforts were in top gear to encourage more youth engagement in agriculture through improvement on mechanised farming.
Owotomo appealed to all stakeholders to contribute their quota towards achieving food security in the state.
Speaking on the theme, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo advocated the need for inter-ministerial collaborations, especially between the ministries, departments and agencies for the food system to be sustainable.
He said leaders must demonstrate the prowess and tenacity to evolve thoughts that would drive economic sustainability and food security.
Adebayo highlighted factors undermining the attainment of economic, environmental and food security including continuous striving for global domination by superpowers, multinationals, political instability and inconsistency in policies, among others.
In his keynote address at the retreat, the state Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, described the retreat as strategic.
He claimed it would afford every stakeholder the opportunity to evaluate the mode of operation and re-strategise for better performance in all critical areas.
He maintained that the management of the ministry had the responsibility of working directly with the public, to provide solutions to challenges facing the farming community.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Samuel Adeogun, noted that agriculture was key in the ‘ISEYA’ mantra of the current administration.
He noted that there was a need to critically look at the responsibilities of each department and what they intend to put in place to ensure delivery of the mandate.
On his part, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimitan, who was represented by the Chief Estimate Officer, Mr. Musibau Elemide, advised participants that whatever decision taken must be in tandem with the overall vision of the state agricultural policy.
