Fadama N-Cares To Engage 22,000 Farmers In Ondo For Increase Of Food Security

Olusiji Olatunji, Ondo state Fadama-CARES Coordinator has disclosed that no fewer than 22,000 farmers to benefit in the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) result area 2 programme in the state.

Olatunji made the disclosure in Akure during a one-day sensitisation meeting of stakeholders on N-CARES result area 2 implementation strategies.

According to him, the N-CARES programme was aimed at alleviating effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the lives of the poor and vulnerable citizens of Nigeria.

Olatunji, who said the N-CARES programme had three result areas explained that the state focus on the result area 2 which related with food security and safe functioning of food supply chains.

He maintained that the programme would give the state opportunity to better respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and fast track the recovery of its economy in the short run.

The coordinator, who called for the cooperation, understanding and participation of all relevant stakeholders said farmers should see the programme as an opportunity to increase food security across the state.

He said, “for the result area 2 programme, about 22,000 farmers is targeting for the rice, cassava, maize, vegetable, rabbit, sheep and goat, poultry, fishery farming among others.

“But for now will need the commitment of every stakeholder for the smooth implementation of the programme in the state.

“That is why we are trying to carry all relevant stakeholders along by creating awareness and sensitise them. The programme will be effective this year hopefully by April and its going to take two years.”

Kunle Sanni, the state Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, while speaking at the event said the state government has vowed to continue gave attention to policies that would increase agricultural productivity and promotion of food security in the state.

According to Sanni, government had constituted state N-cares steering committee to provide update on implementation to the governor of the state every six months or as may be required.

“State government paid the sum of N176, 775,000 million as state counterpart contribution which facilitated the drawdown of N537, 235,565.23million from the World Bank for the funding and training of 258 graduates unemployed youths across 11 enterprises during implementation of FADAMA lll additional financing.

“Also funding of the modern rice mill at Ogbese, Akure North Local Government and establishment of four cassava processing mills in three senatorial districts of the state among others were achieved.

“So, this economic response is meant to assuage the effect of lock down and losses suffered as a result of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Bunmi Alade, the state Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, therefore, charged stakeholders to take the content of sensitisation meeting with the utmost seriousness it deserves.