L-PRES programme graduates 1,000 livestock farmers in Ondo, warns against knowledge hoarding

By Boye Oyeyemi

In an effort to upgrade farming techniques in Ondo State, no fewer than 1,000 livestock farmers have received training on modern farming techniques and proper record keeping to boost productivity in the state’s farming sector.

The training was organised by the Ondo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

Speaking at the first graduation ceremony of the L-PRES Farmers’ Field School held in Akure on Thursday, the State Project Coordinator, Olufemi Adeogun, said the beneficiaries, who were drafted from all 18 local government areas of the state, underwent six months of intensive training.

He further explained that the farmers were trained in three key livestock value chains, including poultry, goat and sheep, and pig farming.

Adeogun noted that the programme was designed to equip farmers with modern skills that would make livestock production more profitable, productive, and resilient to climate challenges.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, congratulated the participants for their dedication and urged them to share the knowledge acquired with other farmers in their communities.

Akinola, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Folusho Ojo, said the government would continue to partner with development organisations to improve farmers’ access to technology, inputs, and markets.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abiodun Fashoro, a pig farmer, appreciated the organisers for the training, assuring that they would apply the knowledge gained to improve production on their farms.