In its drive to ensure adequate food supply, job creation and industrialisation, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, has cultivated 1000 hectares of land in preparation for modern farming technology, known as Climate Smart Agriculture.
Commissioner in the Ministry Dr. Adeola Odedina, made this known when he led a team to on an inspection to the clearing site at Apojula, Odeda Local Government Area, saying the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration has promised to engage and train the youth in realisation of its agricultural agenda for the State.
Odedina said 600 hectares were cleared by the State government, while the Federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development assisted in clearing 400 hectares, which would be allocated to minimum of 1,000 interested youths in the area.
He added that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun had earlier in the year mandated the State Ministry of Agriculture to engage in Climate Smart Agriculture, which informed the Ministry plan to take advantage of Oyan Dam close to the farm land, for irrigation.
"In Ogun State, we are concentrating on our strength. We are into cassava, rice and vegetables. We want to include facilities for irrigation here so that the young farmers will not only depend on rain. We want young people to come here and farm and demonstrate profitably", he said.
The Commissioner while meeting the Baale of Apojula, Chief Jelili Ogundiya, appreciated the people for accepting government's agricultural programme in the area, assuring that there would be provision of more potable water, as plan was underway to erect a borehole for the inhabitants of the village.
Corroborating the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Dotun Sorunke, described the natives of the land as accommodating as they showed low resistance to the land clearing exercise in their domain, adding that affected individuals in the acquired land have been resettled.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Land Management, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Yekeen Razaq, said the Federal Government’s collaboration with the State on agriculture was meant to provide sufficient food, for the nation and create job.
Responding, Chief Ogundiya expressed joy for the government's intervention in the community and prayed for the successful implementation of the programme.
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