Food security: Ekiti govt distributes subsidised agrochemicals to farmers

The Ekiti State Government has distributed subsidised agrochemicals to farmers across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity, reduce production costs and strengthen food security.

Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, urged beneficiaries to apply the agrochemicals in line with recommended guidelines to maximise their effectiveness and ensure safe use.

Boluwade said the intervention was aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers, improving crop yields and supporting the state’s drive towards sustainable food production.

He explained that the agrochemicals would provide essential nutrients, control weeds and insect pests, and promote healthy plant growth for increased agricultural output.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the ministry would soon commence the digital registration of farmers across the state to develop an up-to-date database for effective planning and equitable distribution of future agricultural interventions.

He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the subsidised inputs to achieve the desired objectives of the programme.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Babatope Ojo, described the exercise as another demonstration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security.

Ojo said access to quality agrochemicals would enable farmers to effectively control pests, diseases and weeds, thereby increasing yields and food production.

Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Olukayode Ilesanmi, commended the administration’s sustained investment in the agricultural sector, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards improving farmers’ productivity and welfare.

The Organising Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. Noah Oladoja, lauded the state government for prioritising the welfare of farmers through timely interventions.

Oladoja assured the government that beneficiaries would make proper use of the agrochemicals to achieve the objectives of the programme.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Funmilola Aregbe expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the subsidised agrochemicals as a timely intervention that would reduce production costs and boost food production across the state.