Title: Ondo State Trains Youths in Modern Agriculture to Address Food Shortage
Ondo State, a southern region in Nigeria, has taken a bold step to address the pressing issue of food shortage by training over 4,500 youths in modern agriculture. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Olayato Aribo, made the announcement during a recent ministry event in Akure, the state capital.
Aribo revealed that the state government, under the previous administration of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, sold all its tractors to private companies and individuals at subsidized rates. This move has left the state with only one functional tractor, which is now being used by the ministry.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of empowering young farmers to bridge the gap between traditional and modern farming practices. He stated that the youths have been trained and empowered to produce food, and the ministry is working towards massive food production to address the shortage challenges.
In a bid to achieve this goal, the state government has engaged a company to hire tractors to clear land for farmers. According to Aribo, tractors cannot enter the state’s forest areas, requiring the use of bulldozers to clear the land. The government has promised a 25% discount for farmers who use the hiring service.
When asked about the reason for engaging the hiring company despite having some tractors parked at the Government House, Aribo replied that he was not aware of any tractors at the location. He clarified that the tractors were sold to private companies and individuals, and the state now owns only one.
The commissioner expressed the state’s commitment to producing food and emphasized the need for immediate action. He revealed that the government plans to buy more tractors, but for now, hiring the company is the most effective way to achieve their goal.
The training and empowerment of young farmers, combined with the state’s efforts to produce food, demonstrates Ondo State’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges of food shortage. By providing opportunities for young farmers to produce food, the state is not only meeting the needs of its residents but also contributing to Nigeria’s overall food security.
