GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has harped on the need for agricultural research institutes to embark on demand-driven projects, just as farmers should produce based on specific demands by their consumers.
Ajimobi’s charge came against the backdrop of what he called wide gap among farmers, consumers, processors, which he said was counterproductive to the desired agricultural development in the state.
Speaking at the state’s agriculture investment summit held at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, held on Thursday, Ajimobi stressed that bridging the gap through demand-driven agriculture will trigger the Oyo State agro and agro-allied sectors.
The event also saw Ajimobi, represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Adeyemo, urge youths to be more involved in agriculture, noting that the sector remained viable.
Especially, Ajimobi avowed that effective collaboration among government, agricultural institutes, farmers, processors, agro-allied industries, agricultural/commercial banks and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain will engender industrial development and help provide food, employment for the increasing population.
Such demand-driven agriculture, he added will help address the challenges of food insecurity, unemployment, retard in rural development and phase out obsolete technology.
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Various stakeholders who spoke on the theme, “Transforming Oyo State’s Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industry: Private Sector Participation”, advocated for regular Agric subsidies to engender mechanised and large-scale farming.
The contributors at the summit included, Principal Government Relations Coordinator, AFDB, Linda Amadi; Deputy Director General, IITA, Mr Kenton Dashell; Mrs Jackquelena Yawa of Diageo Company; Mr Ebenezer Boluwatife and Mr Rasaq Aboyeji of Sterling Bank; and Oyo Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Mr Oyewole Oyewumi.
In his remarks, Oyewumi emphasised the need for demand-driven agriculture that is sustained, so as to meet the needs of the growing population.
“Agriculture is now demand driven. The farmer must produce for a specific purpose which will come from the end user. It makes agriculture more scientific and based on innovation and research. It optimises productivity and expands the economy. We need sustained agricultural practice to meet the needs of the growing population,” Oyewumi said.
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