Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has called for more dedication and commitment to agricultural development with a view to realizing the nation's dream of self sufficiency in food production.

Speaking at the event marking the 2018 World Food Day held at the Federal College of Agriculture, in Akure with the theme "Our Actions Are Our Future - A Zero Hunger World by 2030 is Possible", Governor Akeredolu explained that the current food situation in the country needed collaborative efforts.

He maintained that food sufficiency and a zero-hunger world would be achievable, only when everyone embrace food crop production.

Arakunrin Akeredolu regretted that despite Ondo State being widely acknowledged as an agrarian state, it was still not self sufficient in food production.

He said in a bid to ensure food security, the present administration in the state has taken some giant strides at developing the agric sector so as to improve the nutritional intakes of citizens of the state.

Some of the steps, according to him include: Procurement and distribution of 1,000 metric tons of fertilizer to various farm service centers in the state.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said the present administration has also raised and distributed 500,000 Cocoa and 250,000 Cashew seedlings to farmers to boost Cocoa and Cashew production in the state among others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant, to the Governor on Agric and Agribusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu commended Governor Akeredolu for his numerous efforts aimed at ensuring food sufficiency in the state.

The Governor's aide mentioned some of the present administration's achievements in the sector as: collaboration with the Federal Government on National Egg Production Scheme with 64,000 layers in which thirty-two of the state farmers are currently participating.

He said through the collaboration with the Federal Government, the State has been participating in the "Home Grown School Feeding Programme", which has been improving the nutrition status of school pupils and preventing manultrition among the vulnerable groups.

Pastor Olotu added that the State Government has established a modern agricultural Village at Jugbere with the establishment of 2,000 hectares of Cocoa farm to be plotted on 4-hecter basis for youth empowerment and through which Cocoa Production in the state would reach an unprecedented heights.

Also the Guest Speaker, Prof Agbede Oluwasola from the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, noted that Nigeria has the potentials that can be exploited to mitigate food shortage and feed citizens in nutritious foods even before the Year 2030.

He stated that ban on importation of grains and animal products as well as zero corruption policy by the Federal Government would stimulate production, while excess products during glut, would be converted to value products and exported to neighbouring countries.

Governor Akeredolu used the occasion to strengthen the productive capacities of seven farming associations within the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association, OSACA,
with the presentation of #15 million cheque to them.

Also the proposed Ondo State Farmers Micro Finance Bank got a major boost from the State Government as #20 Million was made available for its take off.

In appreciation of the support so far received by farmers from the present administration in the state,
the Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association, OSACA, conferred its Life Grand Patronship on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The highpoint was the inspection of the exhibition stands of over thirty Agricultural products and associations that participated in the 2018 World Food Day by Governor Akeredolu and other dignatries at the event.

Bode Akinwumi,
Press Officer,
Governor's Office.