Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritize the security of lives and property of farmers in order to boost food production and reduce hunger in the state.
Aiyedatiwa stated this at the inauguration of the new executive members of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA) on Wednesday in Akure.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa said the time had come for farmers to go into sustainable farming to increase production.
According to him, his administration had committed a lot of resources in the development of agriculture and promotion of food sufficiency in the state.
His words: “Our government has initiated and delivered several noble agricultural projects and policies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“Recently, the state government contributed 1,200 metric tonnes of grains as palliative to farmers to address the rise of food prices in the state.
“We have embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of access roads in various communities through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
“So, the primary responsibility of the government is the provision of the security of lives and property, and our government is very responsible.”
While congratulating the new OSACA executives, the Governor called on farmers to increase food sufficiency, reduce prices of agricultural products and leverage on the use of technology to boost production.
Earlier in his own remarks, Chief Abiodun Adejo, the new OSACA Chairman, who appreciated government’s support to farmers in the state, said more would be done to actively involve the association in formulation of government policies to ensure food security.
“We want the government to know that one of our major problems now is insecurity where farmers are being kidnapped or killed and crops uprooted to feed cows by herdsmen.
“So, we are praying that the government should find a lasting solution to the menace so that the issue of no food could be a thing of the past,” he added.
Speaking also, Mr Olugbenga Obaweya, the outgoing OSACA Chairman, attributed his achievements to the training, seminar, field trips and rigorous engagements employed by the various commodity associations to make modest progress.
Obaweya explained that OSACA comprised 26 agricultural commodities associations, saying that food availability, accessibility and affordability was very important for the survival of any nation.
