Ekiti State is revamping its agricultural sector to drive industrialization, food security, and economic prosperity, according to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade. The Oyebanji administration is actively transforming agriculture from subsistence farming to a mechanized and commercially-driven sector.
This initiative involves promoting agribusiness, adding value chains to farm produce, and aggressively clearing land for communities. The government is also heavily subsidizing tractor services for farmers and creating investor-friendly policies.
A recent multi-million dollar agreement with Cavista Holdings to establish a state-of-the-art cassava processing plant requiring 100,000 hectares of land underscores the success of these efforts. Ekiti, known for its high cassava yield, is poised to become a major player in the global cassava market, with over 100 derivatives like ethanol and cassava flour being produced from the crop.
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The government is implementing several programs to achieve this goal. Under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), an old abattoir in Ado-Ekiti is being upgraded to a modern mechanized facility.
Additionally, the project supports poultry, fishery, cattle ranching, and goat & sheep rearing. The state veterinary hospital is being transformed into a diagnostic center, with veterinary clinics planned for all 16 local government areas.
To ensure peace between farmers and herders, the government is proactively engaging with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, farmer associations, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association. The recent recruitment of 300 Agro Marshals complements the efforts of the Amotekun Corps and the Anti Grazing Management Committee.
