AKURE – The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Friday distributed 200 knapsack sprayers to some selected youth farmers in Ondo State.
Dr Sam Ajala, the team leader for Maize Value Chain, said during the presentation ceremony in Akure that the gesture would address the major challenges confronting young farmers.
“This will go a long way to motivate youths to provide services to young farmers in the field.”
He noted that maize production had increased from 7.4 million tonnes as at December 2013 to 10.2 million tonnes currently.
According to him, this will increase food production and contribute significantly to enhance poultry production in the country.
Two hundred sprayers were given free of charge to selected youths across the state.
Responding, Mr Lasisi Oluboyo, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, said the programme was aimed at encouraging youth participation in agricultural activities.
Oluboyo said this would help maximise productivity and income generation to enhance their income and livelihood.
‘’The state government is presently focusing on commercialisation of agriculture with the establishment of additional four new farm settlement centres in the state.”
He, therefore, urged the benefitting farmers to use the items to enhance their productivity. (NAN)
