FOOD SUFFICIENCY: Ekiti State Launches Storage Facilities For Farm Produce

Ekiti State Government has launched storage facilities in strategic locations across the state to purchase farm produce during harvest and store them for release during periods of scarcity. This initiative aims to ensure food sufficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilise food prices year-round.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who led an inspection of one of the storage facilities in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, highlighted the importance of this measure in preventing the food shortages experienced last year. Accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer; and Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, the Governor affirmed that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for state governments to prioritise food security as a critical step in combating hunger nationwide.

Governor Oyebanji revealed that over 6,000 hectares of farmland were cultivated in the state in 2024. However, the lack of adequate storage facilities posed challenges in preserving the yields. The newly established warehouses are intended to address this gap, ensuring that farm produce is available during scarcity and helping regulate food prices.

The Governor also noted that a significant portion of the stored produce was sourced from young farmers participating in the “Bring Back Youth in Agriculture” programme. He assured residents of the state’s commitment to alleviating hunger and achieving sustainable food security.

Speaking during the inspection, Governor Oyebanji stated, “Last year, we cultivated over 6,000 hectares of farmland, and this year, we are addressing the challenge of storage facilities. The President directed that states should adopt strategies for food security, and in Ekiti, we are taking deliberate steps to ensure we overcome hunger. We will store crops purchased from our youth farmers and release them to the market when prices rise to moderate costs for our people.”

In his remarks, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated the government’s goal of combating hunger while creating opportunities for youth involvement in agriculture. He emphasised that the initiative would guarantee a steady food supply and encourage farmers, particularly young agriculturists, to increase production with the assurance that the government would buy their produce.