SMART STATES GO AGRICULTURAL

With the recent seriousness on the part of the Federal government of Nigeria, as regards more attention on Agriculture. One will ordinarily expect many governors to act in such directions as to create more wealth for its states. Especially as it concerns the non-oil producing states.

But for some selfish reasons, they prefer being perpetual beggars and dependants on the EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT. They make so much researches on the oil revenue and explorations that they get so busy at begging and activism while some smart Governors take advantage of the shift.

States like Enugu, and Ebonyi were known for Rice production in those years. It created so much job opportunities and fed so many hungry mouths, atleast around the geo-political zones. But today, less effort and attention are paid to such sector.

In Anambra, who dosn’t know about Onitsha YAM, what scale does it produce today? What scale does Adani Rice produce? While the south Eastern governors depend on revenues generated by die-hard business men and women, states like Ondo, are busy taking the stride of Agriculture.

Recently, Ondo state government hinted that it is planning to cultivate 3,000 hectares of rice farmland in each of the 3 senatorial districts of the state towards ensuring food security in the state.

While speaking to Journalists, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo made this disclosure during an inspection of a rice demonstration plantation in Ayede- Ogbese in Akure North local government area.

If the target of the state government is met and the project eventually becomes a success, Ondo state will be able to boast of self-sufficiency and even become an export market for Rice in no distant time.

And to achieve this feat, the state government decided to train indigenous farmers with the consultation of a Malaysian expert, Jamaludin Bin Jaya, who is the Manager and Consultant involved in training the indigenous farmers in rice cultivation.

He explained that a total of 22 farmers are under studying the experts in the new methods of rice cultivation.

One of the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture sponsored by the state government on training to Malaysia, Omolakin Oluwole says he has gained enough knowledge as he will be giving professional advice to rice farmers in the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo reveals that the target of Ondo state is to prepare about 9,000 hectares of Rice plantation; 3 thousand in each of the Senatorial districts of the state, saying farmers have learnt a new method of planting rice which will bring more yield.  This is what a leader should be doing.