Ekiti agribusiness initiatives delivering early results, says commissioner

The Ekiti State Government has announced significant progress in its agribusiness development drive, as young farmers under the administration’s agricultural programmes begin to record impressive harvests.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed this on Tuesday after receiving a video of the first pepper harvest from a youth farmer participating in the Ekiti Urban Farming Initiative at the Erifun Farm Hub.

Boluwade explained that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has invested deliberately in modern facilities at the hub to encourage youth participation in agriculture and ensure sustainable productivity.

“At the Erifun Horticultural Hub, we have provided infrastructure that supports all-year-round farming. These include a desilted dam, a complete pipe reticulation system, drip irrigation facilities, a solar-powered pumping machine, and conducive accommodation for farm operators. This is how we are making farming attractive and rewarding for our youths,” the Commissioner stated.

He emphasized that the Oyebanji administration’s agribusiness agenda is designed not only to enhance food security but also to create sustainable jobs and improve livelihoods across the state.

Speaking on the strategic importance of cassava production, Boluwade highlighted Ekiti State’s role in Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest producer of the crop.

“According to FAOSTAT (2022), global cassava production stood at about 330 million tonnes, with Nigeria accounting for 18 percent of this output. Here in Ekiti, cassava represents food security, job creation, and economic empowerment for families across our communities,” he said.

The Commissioner further assured that the state government will continue to prioritize agribusiness development through the provision of modern infrastructure, improved seedlings, and enabling policies that promote productivity.