By Gbenga Ojikutu
The Ekiti parapo Pavilion on Tuesday wore a cloak of canival as the State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji flagged of 2023 planting season with an unusual package by distributing a whopping N637m cheques to Cooperatives and Communities farmers in the state.
The Governor disclosed this at the launch of 2023 farming season organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The Governor who noted that the World Bank Assisted Programme would soon start in Ekiti with the rehabilitation of 74 km access roads which would enable farmers transport their farm inputs to the markets for sale also assured the farmers that issues of kidnapping, farmers/herders clash and other unrests militating against farmer’s productivity would be a thing of the past in the state.
Governor Oyebanji highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to include,farmer’s involvement in Poultry farming were assisted, employment of 42 produce inspectors to protect farm produce from being carted away to other states,farmers that plant cashew, cassava and other cash crops were subsidized among many.
He advised the farmers to patronize Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as tractors were now available for every large scale farming at subsidized rate.
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 noted that 1000 km rural roads would be constructed across the state to boost food production with a view to improving the state’s economy
He advised the local government and L CDAs Chairmen to support the state government empower the farmers in their areas to make farming easier for them
In his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said about 2000 farmers would benefit in the programme stressing that the programme was 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.
