Ondo Partners NALDA to Boost Mechanized Farming

Akure, Ondo State – Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to enhance mechanized farming and bolster food security across the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the NALDA delegation, led by its Ondo State Coordinator, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, at his office in Akure.

A major focus of the collaboration will be addressing land clearing, which the Governor identified as a significant barrier preventing many farmers, especially young people, from engaging in or expanding mechanized agriculture. “We know that one of the major expenditures that hinder a lot of farmers from going into mechanized farming or expanding their operations is land clearing. I’ve heard that land clearing is one of the key activities of NALDA and this is encouraging,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated. He expressed optimism that resolving this bottleneck would encourage more youth participation in farming.

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The Governor commended NALDA’s integrated farm estate model, noting that Ondo State already possesses similar infrastructure in existing farm settlements that could be revitalized and upgraded through this partnership. He also believes the collaboration will significantly boost animal husbandry, particularly goat and rabbit rearing, areas where Ondo State has a natural advantage.

Earlier, Chief Olusola Ayandokun reaffirmed NALDA’s commitment to supporting Ondo State’s agricultural agenda. He explained that NALDA, a federal government initiative, focuses on reclaiming and opening up farmland, promoting food security, empowering youth and women, and supporting the agricultural value chain. He highlighted NALDA’s goals, which include land clearing, preparation, and allocation to farmers, as well as establishing integrated farm estates, providing agricultural inputs, promoting animal husbandry, and training.

Chief Ayandokun specifically noted Ondo’s suitability for projects involving cocoa, oil palm, goat, and rabbit farming, and integrated farm settlements, citing locations like the Ile-Oluji farm settlement. He also revealed that some land parcels have already been allocated for pilot projects, with training modules in place for farmers. The NALDA coordinator emphasized the importance of encouraging household backyard farming to ensure grassroots food security.

Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agri-Business, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola.