Lagos To Begin Agric Mechanization Programme To Boost Food Security

As part of efforts towards achieving food security, the Lagos State government says it will
soon commence a mechanization programme, tagged the “Eko Agro Mechanization Programme”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known in a message to the grand finale of this year’s World Food Day Celebration at the State agricultural Development Complex, Oko-Oba, Agege, over the weekend.

According to to the Governor, the Eko Mechanization programme will kick off with the procurement of 14 brand new tractors and ancillary equipment which will be utilized by farmers in the State under the operational model known as “Tractor-On-the-Go”.

Governor Sanwo-Olu whose message was was delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, noted that the programme would ensure that more lands are put to use thereby increasing economic contribution in the State through agricultural mechanization.

He said ‘this programme is expected to impact no fewer than 15,000 households as well as create not less than 25,000 jobs for agripreneurs thereby making significant contributions to the State food basket that will bring farmers back on the path of economic recovery post COVID-19 pandemic”

The Governor said the State would also improve on existing agricultural infrastructure in some rural farming communities in order to reconnect agricultural value chain actors with input and output markets, while water and sanitary facilities shall also be upgraded in 69 wet markets across the State under the “LAGOS CARES” Programme with a view to reassuring safety in these markets.

He announced that in the course of the year, the Federal Government, through the FADAMA Development office would be providing relief package to existing poor and vulnerable farmers and processing groups under the World Bank assisted covid-19 economic recovery stimulus, known as “NG CARES” with farm inputs, production and processing assets, as well as, hands-on training on enhanced management practices and advisory services.

“Though minimal, this shall boost individual enterprise productivity, increase yields and improve food security in the State” he said

While commending the Commissioner for Agriculture and her team for implementing his administration’s agenda for the sector, the Governor added that his government would also consider the establishment of “Agritech Centre” at the Dairy Farm Complex, Agege to fast track the development of smart solutions leading to increased agricultural productivity and address the State’s food insecurity challenges as well as diversify the economy.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya who was represented by the Director, Agric Services, Mrs. Abiola Ayoade highlighted the week-long activities undertaken by the Ministry to mark this year’s edition of the World Food Day,
aimed at sensitizing people on the importance and necessity for food security and access to food and nutrition, especially among the vulnerable in the society.