Ogun Determined To Improve Quality, Quantity Of Farm Produce For Export Purposes – Odedina
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Government says its determined to enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural produce for export purposes, adding that this would help to diversify the economy and improve the wellbeing of farmers.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina while speaking at a One-Day workshop held at Area J4 Forest Reserve in Ogun East local government, pointed out that the unwholesome activities of some mischievous stakeholders had adversely affected quality and marketing of agricultural produce and profit margin to merchants as well as revenue to government coffers, hence, the need for government’s resolve to address it.
Odedina in a press release issued in Abeokuta by the Ministry’s Press Officers, Gbenga Moronfolu and Doyinsola Ajisebutu, said the workshop was part of government efforts to transform the economy and rejuvenate agriculture in addition to supporting farmers with necessary inputs and work on strategies to improve quality and quantity of Agricultural produce.
In his remark, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Dotun Sorunke noted that in order to ensure that cocoa produced in the state meet international standard, there is need to train farmers and all value chain stakeholders on the need to improve quality and quantity of their yield.
“Cocoa business is very lucrative, which is why we want many youth to take advantage of the prosperity that abound in this value chain. The governor has given us a mandate to encourage and empower farmers, which is why we distributed 100,000 new improved cocoa seedlings to farmers across the state free of charge”, Sorunke said.
In his address, the Chairman Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ogun state chapter, Mr. Olusegun Sowunmi, commended the government for the training and support given to them, saying this has greatly improved their business.
On his part, the Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Apostle Solomon Williams, advised farmers to adopt best agricultural practices in cultivation and processing of cocoa for better yield.
