The Lagos state government has said it will support 5,000 farmers with key inputs, arable land and finance to boost food production and tackle the surging prices of staple crops.
This was revealed during a recent meeting the state government had with the Farmers Associations to discuss the modalities at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Present at the meeting were Abisola Olusanya commissioner of agriculture Lagos state and Oluwarotimi Fashola special adviser to the governor on Agriculture, and other staff members.
Olusanya highlighted the government’s historical support for farmers, emphasising the introduction of modern farming techniques and improved access to land, particularly in areas such as Ito-Ikin in Epe and Badagry, where abundant water resources are available.
Expressing delight at the farmers’ commitment, Olusanya commended their dedication, acknowledging them as the backbone of the nation’s food supply. The commissioner assured prompt support from the Ministry of Agriculture across various regions of the state.
Farmers, in turn, expressed gratitude for the government’s collaboration in enhancing food production. Shehu Usman Jubril, Chairman of Mile 12 International Market, Lagos, appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with the government in boosting food production in the state.
However, challenges faced by some farmers were also brought to light during the meeting. Issa Mohammed, a farmer and leader of the Hausa community in the Tejuosho area of the state, lamented their eviction from lands used for farming. He explained that these lands, typically owned by individuals, were entrusted to them for cultivation and as security measures against encroachers.
Issa Mohammed appealed to the government for intervention in securing their farm activities. Abubakar Abdullahi, leading farmers in the Ojo Axis, highlighted the need for consistent support, particularly addressing fluctuating fertilizer prices. He emphasized that the commissioner was aware of their challenges as a field person and stated that there are approximately 1,400 farmers in the Ojo axis.
The collaborative efforts between the Lagos State Government and farmers aim to create a sustainable and supportive ecosystem for agricultural activities, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
