By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food security is partnering with Benin Owena River Basin and FMS Agro Farms in order to increase horticultural productivity and market development in the state.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade revealed that an outgrower initiative in Tomato and Pepper production is being birthed through the Public and Private Partnership (PPP) project at Benin Owena River Basin’s Dam located in Ayede Ekiti.
Mr Boluwade explained that for a start, not less than 50 youths would be engaged through the pilot project which is basically in horticultural activities, as it is expected to scale up before the end of the year to accommodate 400 youths for employment.
He noted that efforts are in pipeline to provide accommodation for those who would prefer to stay within the farm area while basic amenities and other incentives would also be provided, assuring that the state government will provide all the necessary supports for the youths.
Boluwade said that the agency is providing land, drips irrigation, and inputs while the State Ministry of Agriculture would also play its part by providing manpower, training, and extension services through the Agricultural Development Program (ADP) network.
According to him, the scheme is geared towards encouraging youths to go into agriculture as a business in order to achieve food security for the state, reduce unemployment, build capacity, yield enhancement, and attract investment to the State, particularly in the agricultural sector.
In his words:
“This is part of the effort to ensure effective use of resources for maximum results, through public and private sector partnership (PPP) engagement
This scheme is geared towards encouraging the youths to go into agriculture as a business and ultimately achieve food security, reduction in youth unemployment, capacity building, yield enhancement, meant, and the attraction of investment in agribusiness within the State.
FMS- Agro, a reputable company, renown for agri-business expertise is an household name with years of experience in developing ped structures and tailor-made routes to marketing products. The experience and the expertise it is expected to demonstrate in the PPP arrangement in Ayede Ekiti.”