OYETOLA's GOVT. EMBARKS ON PROJECTS TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC BASE OF OSUN

State of Osun government has dropped hints on some projects embarked upon that would help in enhancing the economic base of farmers, and by extension, the state. 

The Governor of the state, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola gave this hint Wednesday while delivering his welcome address during 'Osun Farmers' Field Day 2019 programme held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, the state capital.

The Governor, who described agriculture as the mainstay and backbone of Osun Economy, said his administration envisioned the state as the food hub of the South West.

Speaking further on the projects embarked upon to enhance the economy of Osun, the Governor said the state government has provided 205.5 hectares of land in Ago-Owu under the partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

He also mentioned some  supportive, initiative interventions provided by government agencies and parastatals, one of which, according to him,  was the implemention of the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (OREAP).

According to Governor Oyetola, the initiative done with a few to making Osun the main hub of agriculture in South West gave birth to implementation of some innovative ideas.

Establishment of the Osun Agricultural Land Holding Authority (the Land Bank), the revitalization of existing farm settlements in the state, massive construction of Farm-to-Market Roads in different parts of the state under the Rural Access Mobility Projects (RAMP) were some of the birthed initiative ideas.

Others were Osun Broilers Out-grower Production Scheme (O'BOPS), farmers' access to state's agriculture loans, passable roads, provision of fertilizer and agriculture support service.

Both Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSSADEP) and Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation (OSSADEC) have been improved and repositioned to serve the state's farmers better.

On plans to further improve the productivity of farmers and revolutionize agriculture sector in the state, Mr. Oyetola said some initiatives that would move the state forward have been identified.

He said: "Our government will expand the Land Bank programme by providing additional 20,000 hectares.

"We will establish new farm settlements, agro-industrial parks, and produce markets. The farm settlement would focus on integrated agricultural development on crops, livestock, fisheries and comprehensive farm service centres.

"To support our farmers, we are ready to go into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the agriculture sector.

"We will also facilitate the provision of affordable access to farm machinery and equipment for farmers and youths in agriculture".