ibironkeeniola 
Determined to achieve zero hunger and reduce the rate of unemployment among youths in the country, Ondo State Government says it will introduce schemes and programs aimed at encouraging young people to engage in agriculture.
The State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu who disclosed this during an event at the trade fair complex, themed, “Our Actions Are Our Future, Healthy Diets fora Zero Hunger World,” said his administration would continue to embark on projects that would ease farming activities in the state.
Akeredolu, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, assured that financial assistance would be given to farmers whose farms were affected by the floods to allow them to thrive during dry season farming.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric and Agribusiness, Akin Olotu, urged the Federal Government to reintroduce rural roads rehabilitation project and assist the state government in the construction of rural roads to ensure easy mobility of farm inputs and produce.
He charged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the rice farmers whose farms were affected by flooding recently to cushion the effects of the disaster.
According to him, “The present administration in the state is determined to boost agricultural production in the state, by giving loans to commodity associations, disclosing that over N200 million has been injected into poultry farming scheme”
“Tree crop cultivation was encouraged for more revenue generation as seedlings of cocoa and oil palm were distributed free to farmers in the state. This was also extended to secondary schools in the state through the distribution of improved cashew, oil palm seedlings under the Schools-On-The-Ridges program.
“The government has also ordered 30,000 improved oil palm sprouted nuts from Palm Elite(CIRAD) France to assist small scale farmers and shore up production. Renovation and utilization of all the Agro Business Centres for the training of youths in agriculture has commenced while Ore center is under a Public/Private partnership arrangement.” He added
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA