Ondo State Govt. partners company to boost food production

The Ondo state government says it is partnering with the ZNT AgriHub and other relevant stakeholders to become an agricultural hub in Nigeria.

Mr Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant (S.S.A) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, disclosed this on Thursday in Akure during a courtesy visit to the management team of the company.

According to him, the partnership aims to align with the Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s vision of ensuring food security and providing job opportunities for youths.

Akinsola said the project was to develop an agriculture template of cultivating more than two thousand hectares of land in each senatorial district of the state, in line with the governor’s order.

“This initiative marks a significant stride in actualizing the state government’s goal of agricultural sustainability and economic development.

“The collaboration with ZNT AgriHub, OSACA and other relevant stakeholders is expected to play a significant role in transforming the state into food-security while empowering farmers with advanced skills and resources,” he said.

The S.S.A disclosed that the government had directed adequate compensation for communities which would release land for the projects, and solicited for continued cooperation from Ondo residents for the programme’s success.

Responding, Mrs Zainab Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer, ZNT AgriHub, emphasised the company’s readiness to contribute to the state’s agricultural revolution through technical expertise, research, and innovation.

Suleiman highlighted the company’s capacity to assist local farmers in mechanized farming, which she noted, was vital for increasing productivity and achieving sustainable food supply in the state.

She emphasized the importance of the partnership in addressing challenges faced by farmers and enhancing technical know-how through training programmes.

Also, Chief Adejo Abiodun, Chairman, Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association (OSACA), said the projects would not only empower the farmers, but also help to boost food production.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi