By Yemi Olajutemu
In a bid to enhance food security and increment in agricultural productivity as 2023 planting season commences, Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has unveiled plans to support small scale farmers on land preparation in the state.
According to the release signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security in the State, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, he mentioned the need for a targeted subsidy to the small holder farmers to increase productivity, and remove drudgery that is a common denominator in food production.
He said the main objective of the scheme is to eradicate low supply of tractor service within the state and to ensure that the farmers have access to these services at the right time since agriculture operations are timed sensitive.
Boluwade explained further that the support covers farmers that are operating between 1 to 2 hectares in land size. The State Government has pegged the cost of ploughing and harrowing to be N40,000 and N30,000 respectively. The farmers are expected to pay N52,500 (75%) while the state will offset the rest 25% (N17,500) to cushion the high cost of land preparation.
Interested farmers are expected to contact the following officials for pre-land preparation evaluation:
Name
Phone Number
Senatorial District
Engr. Fasakin
08038185087
Ekiti Central
Engr. Gbenga
08068497008
Ekiti South
Engr. Dare
08035656550
Ekiti North
Further details will be provided after the visit.