Lagos State Government has assured farmers of its continuous support, just as it acknowledged the myriad of problems they faced in the process of getting their produce to the consumers.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who spoke in Lagos today at a Farmers’ Forum organised by the State government in commemoration of 2019 World Food Day, noted that the government has consistently been creating an enabling environment for optimum food production.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya explained that the essence of the Farmers’ Forum was to interact with stakeholders in the farming sector, especially farmers, in order to get feedback about the various government interventions as well as complaints.
He observed that the feedback would guide and help the government formulate and initiate new projects and programmes that will enhance agricultural development in the State.
Lawal averred that agriculture cannot be developed without the active participation and support of farmers, hence the “bottom-up approach” adopted by State Government, adding that the government does not want to assume having knowledge of farmers' needs but seeks to obtain the true picture from practitioners and stakeholders in the sector.
According to the Commissioner, from the interactions with the farmers, key issues such as land encroachment, processing of produce, market for the produce, youth empowerment and technology have been identified as the most pressing issues confronting them.
He revealed that 1,700 youths and women farmers have been assisted under the Agro Processing Productivity and Livelihood Enhancement Empowerment Support (APPEALS) project, stressing that there is still need to reach out to more farmers through what he referred to as Technology and Extension.
The Commissioner reminded the farmers of the theme of this year’s World Food Day which is “Our Actions Are Our Future: Healthy Diet For A Zero Hunger World”, and urged them to ensure they produce nutritious food for the public.
Lawal emphasised that the World Food Day is celebrated annually by the United Nations and that Nigeria is no exception, noting that this year’s celebration will ensure that the theme is given the necessary attention it deserves as all the activities for the celebration were in line with the creation of a sustainable system of agriculture in the State.
Comments
Post a Comment