OGUN OPEN TO MORE PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL AGENDA

   OGUN OPEN TO MORE PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL AGENDA

          In a bid to fast track its agricultural agenda, the Ogun State Government has said it will open-up for more Private Partnerships in the agricultural value-chain for sustainability.

         

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stated this in Abeokuta, during a Treasury Board Meeting, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Planning in preparation of the 2022 budget.

          Addressing the team of the Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Commissioner, Dr. Adeola Odedina, Abiodun said the focal point of the agricultural reforms which includes; ease of access to land and interventions for farmers were targeted at attracting more Private Partners, intending to practice agriculture on a large scale in the State, enjoining the Ministry to keep creating favourable policies and enabling environment for big players in the sector.

          Abiodun added that the move would increase yields and raw materials for industrial use, saying it would justify the Special Agro-Processing Zone and Agro-Cargo Airport projects of the State government.

          In his remark, Dr. Odedina, assured that the focal point of the 2022 budget was targeted at interventions which would attract partnerships with local and international agencies that have the mandate to support the State's agricultural agenda.

          Odedina said the Ministry's interventions such as training farmers, offering free advisory services to investors and linkage to market among others were yielding positive results, adding that over 400 proposals from individuals and corporate partners, seeking different collaboration were currently being processed.

           "About 80 percent of agro industries that have been moribund for several years due to lack of raw materials, have been revived through the proactive involvement of the present administration", the Commissioner said.

          He applauded the Governor for his continued support in approving policies and making resources available for the establishment of various model farm estates, as well as refurbishment of some facilities, such as the Kuto Market Palm Oil Depot and the Apoje Mill among others, saying it had helped set a standard for others to follow.

 

Doyinsola Ajisebutu,

Press Officer, Ministry of Agriculture