As part of its bid to achieve the goals of food sufficiency, job creation and industrialization, the Ogun State Government in collaboration with German Cooperation (GIZ) has reviewed its agricultural policy which was enacted in 1989.
Speaking during the official handling over ceremony of the policy document in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina said the new policy as foundation that will help achieve improved production in the agricultural sector of the state.
He added that local, national and international stakeholders in the agricultural sector were duly consulted for their inputs during the review.
“We are receiving a document here today that we reviewed together with GIZ who is our partner. It’s another milestone that we are reviewing a policy established since 1989. In the next 20 to 30 years, we are going to be relying on it because we are using it to lay a good foundation for the future of agriculture. We are still going to present it to the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly”, he said.
Speaking, a stakeholder in the policy review, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo said the development was aimed at transformation of the State’s agricultural sector in line with the best global practices, hence, consultations were made to all the States in the country that have agricultural policy, as well as local farmers and other stakeholders to obtain suggestions, opinion and other inputs.
“This current document allows some innovations in the front burner of agriculture. So, anyone that wants to go into any sector of agriculture, in ICT, climate smart agriculture, agro-forestry, green house technology, this current document recognizes all of that and many others”, he submitted.
On his part, the GIZ representative, Barr. Akinropo Omoware, said the idea is to have a policy that would drive the agricultural process better in the State, pointing out that implementation of the policy would have multiplying positive effects on the agricultural sector with attendant value-chain opportunities.
Contributing, the Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State chapter, Prince Abiodun Ogunjimi, applauded the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his passion and commitment towards improving agriculture in the State.