The Ekiti State Branch of the Nigerian Agricultural Co-operative Organization [NACO] has described the various initiatives and innovations of the Ekiti State Government in the agriculture sector as commendable and worthy of emulation.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti at a seminar organized by NACO in conjunction with the state government for Cooperative farmers in the state, the State Coordinator of the Co-operative Organization, Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Ojo noted that the Fayemi led administration has created a synergy between the state and the federal government which has enhanced the activities of the organization in the state.
Mrs. Ojo noted that NACO could be used as a veritable channel to reach out to farmers at the grassroots by both the state and the federal government adding that the organization would ensure that its members are acquainted with the rudiments co-operative for the economic transformation of Ekiti State and the Federal Government Agricultural Transformation Agenda[ATA].
The coordinator disclosed that sequel to the plea of Ekiti NACO for the allocation of farmlands in various farm settlements, the Owena River Basin Authority has approved 45 Hectares of farmland at Ayede and Ijero Ekiti farmland for the cultivation of maize and watermelon.
She said that tricycles would soon be distributed to the farmers in the society.
Highlighting challenges facing NACO in the state to include lack of funds, nonchalant attitude of farmers, and poor networking among others, Chief (Mrs.) Ojo passionately pleaded with government and philanthropists in the state to assist the farmers cooperatives organization financially in order to boost grassroots farming in the state.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina who spoke through the State Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ekiti State, Mr. Dipo Kolade, expressed satisfaction with the activities of farmers in the state with regards the opportunities available to them, saying that members of the cooperative organization are currently benefiting from the various agric loans sourced through some commercial banks by the federal government.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and National Resources, Hon, Olajide Olaniyi said the significance and relevance of farmers cooperative cannot be overemphasized owing to the standard of living of the state.
Expressing appreciation to the state government for creating the forum to enlighten the farmers on how best they can utilize cooperative loans to boost their farming occupation, Hon Olaniyi assured them of the readiness of his committee to give the association the necessary support to ensure its sustainability.
Last modified: May 28, 2014
