Agbeladun trains farmers, Widows on tomato, pepper, and onion production
Agbeladun Agricultural Empowerment NGO has launched a training program aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector to reduce hardship.
The maiden edition of the initiative commenced in the Central Senatorial District of the state where farmers, including members of the Wazobia Widows group, were trained in tomato, pepper, and onion cultivation.
The training took place at the Fadama Hall of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Alagbaka Akure.
Similar training sessions will also be conducted in the Southern and Northern Senatorial Districts in Odigbo and Ikare respectively
Speaking at the launch of the training in Akure last weekend, the Chief Executive Officer of Agbeladun Agricultural Empowerment NGO, Mr. Fadoju Olushola Franklin, stated that the NGO’s mission is to support the state government’s efforts in ensuring food security and stabilizing food prices. He emphasized the importance of modernizing agricultural practices through continuous training and capacity building for farmers.
“Agbeladun Agricultural Empowerment NGO is making a significant move to complement the government’s efforts in the Sunshine State,” he said. “Training and retraining our farmers are part of the strategies lined up by the NGO to further enhance the capacity of our farmers towards 21st-century approaches in agricultural production.”
According to him, the training is expected to have a significant impact on the rural populace, where agriculture is the primary occupation.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo, represented by the Chairman of Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Chief Fredrick Adejo, noted that the state’s agricultural sector is progressing as planned by the government. Aribo highlighted Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s efforts in promoting food security and overcoming challenges such as security and market access for farmers. He praised the collaborative efforts of various commodities associations and urged Agbeladun to address the specific challenges faced by its members.
Aribo called for unity among farmers to further promote agriculture in Ondo State.
The State Project Coordinator for L-Press, Mr. Adeogun Olufemi, commended Agbeladun for its timely intervention amid the current food crisis. Adeogun encouraged farmers to integrate livestock farming with crop farming to enhance food security.
The Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Center (OSAEC), Mrs. Tayo Ogundare, represented by the Director of Programmes, Mr. Abiodun Olabomi, emphasized the importance of collaboration between Agbeladun and OSACA. Ogundare assured that OSAEC is ready to support Agbeladun’s initiatives.
The Head of the NIRSAL field office in Akure, Dr. Ariyo Olanrewaju, stressed the need for increased agricultural production to facilitate access to loans for farmers.
The Head of the Agriculture Department, OSOPADEC, Mr. Mofolabomi Wale, applauded Agbeladun for its efforts and expressed readiness to collaborate, particularly in reaching riverine areas.
The event featured specialized training sessions on tomato, pepper, and onion production conducted by experts Mr. Ilawole Taiwo, Mr. Abdulquadri Habeeb, and Mr. Oludare Idowu, respectively.
Participants received 3,000 tomato seedlings and certificates of participation at the end of the program.
