Ogun State - Amosun Bemoans Collosal Fund Spent on Food Importation

[OgunState]

 Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has called for measures to reverse the situation whereby the country spends over N1.3 trillion to import farm products which it could provide in abundance considering its endowed resources. Governor Amosun made the call today in Abeokuta at the formal opening of the 40th National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development.

He noted that the importation was impacting negatively on the nation’s economy, as it fuels domestic inflation, displaces the local production and creates rising unemployment. In this regard, Amosun underscored the need for the Federal Government and financial institutions to support efforts of respective States to enhance agricultural activities, particularly in areas where they have comparative advantage.

According to him, this would enhance agricultural production and develop value chain to provide employment opportunities for the youths and improve the economy. Amosun said his administration realises the vital role which agricultural development could play in employment generation and industrialisation, stating since its inception, it had been taking giant steps to reposition the sector.

Such steps he said include procurement of tractors and other farming implements which had been distributed to the three senatorial districts for easy access by farmers at subsidised rental rates.

He added that to engage the youths, government had also established a Model Farm Estate in the Ogun Senatorial District, saying that when completed, it would provide direct employment to over 300 participants and offer indirect employment to about 600 others working on different aspects of agricultural production. The Governor said similar gesture would be replicated in the remaining two senatorial districts.

Speaking on other efforts, he disclosed that government had also established three Model Technology Demonstration Centers, equipped with a compliment of mini green house, fish production, broiler rearing and arable farm to serve as training centers for youths. Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina disclosed that the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government had provided 2.5 million jobs in the last two years.

The Minister explained that under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme, the Federal Government had also distributed 14million high yielding cocoa seedlings and 9 million improved variety oil palm seedlings to farmers across the country at no cost, adding that through the e-wallet programme, 1.5million farmers have had direct access to seeds and fertilisers.

Via: Ogun State Government - Official Press Release

[Folami David]

Food importation happens everywhere so I see nothing wrong with it. Let's just leave it that way. It happens like that.