- He noted that due to the state’s forest terrain, bulldozers are needed to clear trees and stumps
The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Olayato Aribo, revealed that 4,563 youths have been trained in modern agriculture through various youth development programmes initiated by the state government.
During a briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Akure on Thursday, Aribo also disclosed that the state government, under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, sold all its tractors to private companies and individuals at subsidised rates.
Aribo highlighted the government’s efforts to bridge the gap between older and younger farmers, stating, “We have been training and empowering youths to encourage their participation in agriculture, as many of them were not initially interested in farming.” He added that the ministry has also created a market system for young farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers every Thursday.
The commissioner confirmed that the government has engaged a private company to provide tractor services for clearing land for farmers. He noted that due to the state’s forest terrain, bulldozers are needed to clear trees and stumps. Aribo promised a 25% discount on tractorisation costs to support farmers.
Addressing concerns over the sale of tractors, Aribo clarified, “During the late Governor Akeredolu’s administration, 30 tractors were sold at subsidised rates to companies and individuals. Most of these tractors are now outside the state, and the government owns only one functional tractor.”
He assured that while new tractors will be purchased, the state is focused on immediate food production through its collaboration with the hiring company.
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