Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pointed out that one of the key barriers preventing farmers especially young people from embracing agriculture in Nigeria is the difficulty involved in clearing land.
He made this known on Monday during a meeting with officials from the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), led by the state coordinator, Olusola Ayandokun, at his office in Akure, the state capital.
The governor stressed that removing the obstacles tied to land clearing would significantly motivate more youths to take up farming.
He further underscored the critical role of land development in enhancing food security and affirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with NALDA to improve agricultural output throughout the state.
“We understand that land clearing is one of the major costs preventing many farmers from embracing mechanised agriculture or scaling up their farms.
“I’ve been informed that NALDA is actively involved in land clearing, which is a promising development,” he stated.
He praised NALDA’s integrated farm estate initiative already established in other states, noting that Ondo State possesses similar infrastructure, particularly within its farm settlements, which could be revitalized and upgraded through strategic collaboration.
The governor also expressed confidence that the partnership would enhance animal husbandry, particularly in livestock farming, an area where the state enjoys natural strengths.
In his remarks, NALDA Coordinator Ayandokun stated that the federal agency is currently focused on reclaiming and opening up farmland, strengthening food security, empowering women and youth, and supporting the entire agricultural value chain.
Ayandokun highlighted Ondo State’s potential for projects involving cocoa, oil palm, goat and rabbit farming, as well as integrated farm settlements. He noted that specific land parcels had already been designated for pilot initiatives, and farmer training programmes are now underway.
He also emphasized the need to encourage households to participate in backyard farming, whether crop cultivation or livestock rearing,as a means of strengthening food security at the community level.
“NALDA’s objectives include land clearing, preparation, and allocation to farmers; establishing integrated farm estates; supplying agricultural inputs; promoting livestock farming; and providing training,” he explained.
