Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade has stated that the launch of two key agribusiness initiatives – Ilu Eye Agri Trading Ltd and Ounje Ekiti is a strategic move by the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to boost food security in the State.
Boluwade, speaking on Tuesday during the interactive S’etigbo multicast, anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications, described the initiatives as complementary pillars designed to streamline the journey of agricultural produce in the State.
The Commissioner, who disclosed that the state government has started purchasing all farm produce directly from farmers, noted that the government’s plan is to store and sell farm produce to the public at subsidized rates.
According to Boluwade, the move would ensure affordability and continuous availability of the produce while also stabilizing food prices and prevent food scarcity.
The Agric Commissioner said Ekiti is the largest producer of rice in the South West and the government has taken steps to prevent external buyers from depleting local supplies aimed at allowing more foodstuffs to circulate within the state.
Boluwade noted that in addition to physical retail outlets, the government introduced a virtual retail platform that allows consumers to order food items online and collect them from designated pick-up points.
The Commissioner further stated that cocoa production has witnessed renewed interest that is driven by a surge in market prices adding that the state government is supporting farmers with subsidized cocoa seeds.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to transform Ekiti into a major agricultural hub towards ensuring food sufficiency, economic growth and youth empowerment through sustained investment and policy support.
While emphasizing the significant involvement of youth in agriculture, with over 5000 young people already registered as farmers, Boluwade said Governor Oyebanji has approved irrigation projects, year round farming to reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall.
