The Ekiti state government has allocated N150 million for the procurement and distribution of improved seeds, agrochemicals, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs to farmers throughout the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun announced that this decision was made during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Olatunbosun emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering farmers with essential tools and seeds to enhance agricultural output, ensure food security, and promote shared prosperity.
The agricultural inputs to be procured and distributed include maize, rice, cocoa, cassava stalks, improved yam setts, oil palm, cashew, and agrochemicals.
“The goal is to support the agricultural sector by boosting the production side of the value chain through the provision of inputs to farmers. This also serves as the State’s contribution to the Federal Government Agro Pocket Scheme, which aims to bolster national agricultural growth and increase food production,” the statement read.
“Previously, the State Government had approved N450 million to support the scheme. However, due to delays from the Federal Government in input distribution, the approval of N150 million is intended to ensure timely distribution of the inputs. The remaining N300 million will be reserved for fertilizer procurement in case the requested consignment from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is not received.”
Olatunbosun also mentioned that the government has approved N165.5 million for the desilting of drains, culverts, and other areas across three local government areas to prevent flooding.
This exercise will take place in Ado, Ikere, and Ifelodun/Irepodun LGAs. Residents are urged to support the government’s efforts to safeguard lives and property by avoiding actions that hinder flood prevention initiatives, such as building structures on waterways, dumping waste in drains, and obstructing canals.
