The Federal Minister for Agriculture , Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has lauded the Fayemi led administration in Ekiti State for its welfare packages for farmers.
The Minister gave the commendation at Ikosu-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of the state during the flag off ceremony of the 2014 Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES).
Dr. Adesina who spoke through the State Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Kolade Oladipo noted that it has become possible for farmers in the state to double their productivity which he said would translate to increase in their income and improvement of their living standard.
Describing the state as a trail blazer, the Minister urged sister states and other stakeholders to understudy and emulate the Fayemi led administration’s agricultural programmes in order to ensure food security and boost economic activities in their respective states.
He said farmers in the state would enjoy subsidized inputs for cocoa, oil palm and livestock production among others under the Growth Enhancement Scheme.
According to him, the Federal and State Government would be responsible for 50% of the cost of fertilizers, 80% of cost of cocoa and oil palm seeds as well as 90% of the cost of rice seedlings.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Babajide Arowosafe reiterated the resolve of the state government to modernize agriculture in the state.
Mr. Arowosafe said that the focus of the state government is to support farmers and move them from the subsistence level of farming to commercial farming.
He however stressed the present administration’s zero tolerance for fraud, warning that unlawful diversion of the subsidized inputs would not be allowed while the benefiting farmers must duly utilize the inputs to achieve the desired result.
The Commissioner emphasized that culprits would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Last modified: April 13, 2014
