Ekiti Govt Clears 3,000 Hectares for Mechanised Farming, Warns Against Bush Burning.

Ekiti Govt Clears 3,000 Hectares for Mechanised Farming, Warns Against Bush Burning.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

His Excellency Gov Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji 
Executive Governor of Ekiti State.

The Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts to boost agriculture and youth participation in agribusiness by clearing 3,000 hectares of land for mechanised farming.

The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this during a radio programme in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday. He noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to drive job creation and economic growth through agriculture.

"The state government will continue to develop agribusiness and attract youths to farming, to create employment and empower the people in the state," Olatunbosun said.

He added that the 2025 budget prioritizes agriculture, underscoring the administration's commitment to positioning Ekiti as a hub for agribusiness and food security.

The commissioner also cautioned residents against indiscriminate bush burning during the dry season, emphasizing the risk of fire outbreaks and property damage.

"This warning is crucial to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property to fire," Olatunbosun stated. He further warned, "The government will not hesitate to bring offenders to justice."

In a related development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, revealed ongoing interventions to sustain food production systems.

"As of last week, we mobilised another 24 local contractors for land clearing for youths, communities, and cooperatives. Most of them have moved to the sites. No holidays in food production systems," Boluwade said.

He stressed the need for consistent and sustainable interventions to address the state’s food deficit and ensure food security.

"Effective 2025, we will start seeing the outcomes of these initiatives by the populace in our food systems and a downward food inflation curve with the activation of Ilu Eye Trading Company, which has commenced agri-products aggregation from farmers and clusters," Boluwade added.

With these measures, the Ekiti State Government is demonstrating its resolve to strengthen agriculture, create job opportunities for the youth, and address food security challenges effectively.