The Ondo State Government said it would harness irrigation farming for year round crop cultivation to ensure adequate food supply for residents of the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Hygiene and Public Sanitation, Mr Sunday Akinwalire stated this when he led a team of experts on an assessment visit to Erusu Dam in Akoko-North West Local Government Area of the state.
Akinwalire explained that the assessment was to determine the dam’s potentials and how it could be used by farmers to boost food production in the state.
He added that the dam’s substantial water volume offered excellent irrigation potentials for agricultural practices, stating that the dam held significant promise for agricultural development for communities around it.
According to him, the visit will enable the government to map out strategic plans on how the dam can be used for irrigation for the benefits of farmers with vast arable land in the area.
The commissioner noted that the ministry was fostering a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to empower the youths and encourage them to embrace modern farming by exploring different potentials and opportunities provided by the dam.
“ This move is in tandem with the vision of the administration of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to empower the youths and boost food production in the state through active participation in agricultural production.
“ This team has identified expansive hectares of arable land suitable for the cultivation of perishable crops that has the potentials to accommodate approximately 200 young farmers throughout the year.
“ We are encouraged by vast arable lands around the dam and the potentials for agricultural developments.
“However, considerable efforts are still required especially in the areas of land clearing, tillage and preparation, mobilisation of machinery and equipment to the land are very essential to make the land attractive to the youths,” Akinwalire stated.
The state government, he said, intended to prepare the land, supply necessary implements, and provide essential resources, including fertilizers to facilitate successful farming operations for young beneficiaries.
The commissioner explained that the initiative was in line with the timeline set by the state governor’s food production programme which was expected to commence within the next three months.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Ondo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Mr Rotimi Oladimeji , said the area was secure, posing no threats to farmers and other residents.
Oladimeji added that the uncompleted buildings around the dam would be used for office accommodation.
The general manager stated that the initiative signified a major step torwards realizing the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural sustainability