Ogun To Initiate Policy To Woo Investors To Agric Sector,Create More Jobs

Ogun State Government is strongly considering a policy that will attract investors to inject more fund in agricultural sector ,boost production and creat more jobs along the value chains and employ increasing population of youths

The State Government in collaboration with German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), is working out modalities for the formulation of the new policy(ies) that will ensure adaptation of sustainable ideas into the agricultural roadmap of the State.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr.Adeola Dina who dropped this hint at a one -day seminar organised in Abeokuta the state capital, revealed that government was seriously considering  a review and devise inclusive policies to attract investors, protect their interest and that of the smallholder farmers in the sector.

He observed that the existing policies are no longer applicable, saying that the government as a key player in policy making would continue to involve relevant stakeholders to shape the future of agriculture with the formulation of new policies.

His words,“Ogun State being the largest host to agro-resources and industries, we are elated to witness such an epoch-making event in the history of agricultural practices. We have assembled stakeholders here today, including foreign investors, to devise plans to promote their interest and investment in the agricultural sector. We need to protect investors and smallholders’ farmer, create jobs, food, nutrition and security, which cannot be achieved without formulation of favourable policies".

Earlier in his remark, a member of the GIZ team, Mr. Stephen Dada, highlighted the importance of agricultural policy on industrialisation and economic development of any State 

He expressed the GIZ's readiness to join hands with government in the formulation and implementation of reformed policies.

Meanwhile, the ongoing distribution of free cassava stems, cashew and cocoa seedlings and improved maize seeds was extended to farmers in Ojowo, Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the State.

Dr. Odedina said the planting materials distribution designed to reach at least 40,000 smallholder farmers across the State, saying that was a mandate of the Governor Dapo Abiodun towards increasing agricultural yields and standard of living of the farmers.

Appreciating the government on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Folasade Banjo, said the free planting inputs was a laudable programme, which would greatly impact on their farming activities.