The Ondo State Government says it has given a 30% discount on agricultural inputs as a palliative to cushion the effect of Coronavirus pandemic on farmers in the state.

On the other hand, maize farmers were given inputs for free, the state government said.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agribusiness, Akin Olotu, made the disclosure during a media briefing over the weekend.

Olotu explained that the government had also put in place other various interventions to ensure food security in the state amid the COVID-19 crisis.

He noted that the interventions were critical to preventing food insecurity in the coming months due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on agribusinesses.

The SSA explained, “For instance, during the lockdown, poultry farmers could not sell their eggs and it is the proceeds from the eggs that they would have used to buy feed to keep their business going.

“This made some of them sell off their laying birds in an untimely manner because that was the only option left for them.

“This situation is not limited to poultry farmers alone; it cuts across all sectors. So, I discussed with the governor and we looked at what we could do.

On his part, Chairman, Ondo State Agricultural Commodity Association (OSACA), Gbenga Obayewa, praised the government for the timely intervention, adding that the step will help to sustain food production in the state.

“We approached the state government during the lockdown when individuals and families were being given palliatives, saying that it will be better to give farmers inputs as their own palliatives so that they can produce and ensure food security.

“The inputs are being given at subsidised rates and we wish to appreciate the state government for listening to us,” Obayewa said.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA