The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Olayato Aribo, announced on Thursday that the state has successfully trained at least 4,563 youths in modern agricultural practices through various development programs. The training aims to bridge the gap between traditional farmers and the younger generation, who have shown a declining interest in agriculture.
Speaking at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akure, the state capital, Aribo detailed the government’s efforts under the previous administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. He disclosed that the state government had sold all its tractors to private companies and individuals at subsidized rates. This move, according to Aribo, was part of a strategy to promote private sector involvement in agriculture.
Aribo stated, “Some of our youths have been empowered because we discovered that there is a gap between our old farmers and young farmers; the youths are not interested in farming. So we want to encourage them. We are training them and also empowering them.”
To further support young farmers, the state government has organized weekly events where these farmers can bring their produce directly to consumers. These events are held every Thursday, aimed at providing a direct market for their goods.
Addressing the issue of agricultural equipment, Aribo mentioned that the government had engaged a company to hire tractors for land clearing operations. This initiative is crucial as the state faces challenges due to its forested terrain, which is not easily accessible with standard tractors. He emphasized the need for bulldozers to clear trees and stumps from the land.
Aribo noted, “Today, we have one functional tractor working in the ministry. Unlike in the North, where we have savanna, here tractors cannot enter the forest. We need bulldozers to clear the forest. We intend to do a thorough job. We need bulldozers to remove all the trees and stumps, which is why we need an equipment hiring company.”
He also addressed questions regarding the availability of tractors at the Government House in Akure. Aribo clarified that he was not aware of any tractors parked there and explained that the 30 tractors purchased during the late Governor Akeredolu’s administration had been sold off. “Most of those tractors are now outside the state. They are no longer owned by the government,” he said.
Despite the sale of the government-owned tractors, Aribo assured that the state would still acquire new tractors. However, to expedite food production, the current strategy involves using the hiring company to provide the necessary equipment.
“We are in a hurry to produce food,” Aribo concluded, highlighting the urgency of addressing food security challenges in the state.
