Aiyedatiwa seeks collaboration with NALDA to boost Agriculture
The governor of Ondo state, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed readiness to partner with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to boost mechanized farming and strengthen food security initiatives across the state.
He made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) led by its Ondo State Coordinator, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, to his office in Akure.
Welcoming the NALDA delegation, Aiyedatiwa emphasized that land clearing remains a major hurdle preventing many farmers, particularly young people, from engaging in or expanding mechanized agriculture, noting that this critical challenge aligns directly with one of NALDA’s primary functions.
Highlighting the youth potential in agriculture, the Governor remarked that once the bottleneck of land clearing is addressed, young people will be more willing to embrace farming.
He commended the integrated farm estate model initiated by NALDA in other states, noting that Ondo already has similar infrastructure in place, especially in farm settlements that can be revived and upgraded through partnership.
Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that the collaboration would also promote animal husbandry, especially in the rearing of goats and rabbits, areas where Ondo has natural advantages.
Earlier, in his remarks, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, the Ondo State Coordinator of NALDA, assured the Governor of the agency’s commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural agenda.
He explained that NALDA, a federal government initiative, is focused on reclaiming and opening up farmland, promoting food security, empowering youth and women, and supporting the agricultural value chain.
He disclosed that some parcels of land have already been allocated for pilot projects, and training modules are in place for farmers, stressing the importance of encouraging every household to engage in some form of backyard farming, whether crop or livestock, to ensure food security at the grassroots level.
