Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has received the report of the food security committee established to address critical issues such as farm security, food pricing and availability, and support for farmers. The report was submitted by the Committee Chairman and Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tola Faseru, at the Government House on Thursday evening.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the committee conducted spot surveys and research to develop actionable recommendations.
Governor Adeleke emphasized the urgency of implementing these recommendations, describing food security as the most pressing issue facing the nation.
In response, Governor Adeleke announced the formation of an implementation committee, led by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, to ensure immediate action on the recommendations. He stressed the importance of addressing food affordability and availability amidst high inflation and emerging food insecurity.
The committee’s recommendations are divided into short, medium, and long-term agendas. Key proposals include:
Farm Security
- Establishment of a Farm Security Network with personnel from various security agencies and local vigilante groups.
- Education and training for farmers on farm security and pest control.
- Strengthening collaboration between local and official security forces.
- Orientation programs for Fulani and farmers.
- Introduction of border poisoning plants and physical measures to protect farm borders.
- Launching a Community-Based Security Intelligence Program.
- Passing the Anti-Open Grazing bill into law.
Expanding Farm Activities
- Provision of farm equipment through public-private partnerships.
- Establishment of a farm equipment leasing scheme with subsidized fees.
- Renewal of the memorandum of understanding with the Leventis Foundation.
- Continuation of annual training programs for Osun youths in agriculture and agribusiness.
- Supply of farm implements through structured farm groups, including Women in Agriculture.
- Mass mobilization of citizens for home farming.
- Implementation of long-term incentive programs, such as subsidized seed and tool distribution.
Food Market Centre
- Establishment of central markets for subsidized farm produce in each Senatorial district.
- Allocation and clearing of land for agricultural pursuits by youths and women.
- Initiation of irrigation farming systems at Farm Settlements.
- Training for retirees and about-to-retire employees on home gardening.
- Rehabilitation of existing Tractor Hiring Offices.
- Establishment of monitoring teams in each Tractor Hiring Office.
- Procurement of GPS for land size measurement.
Tracking Food Prices
- Conducting market surveys of food items in Osun State.
- Purchasing staple foods in bulk and selling them at controlled prices.
- Implementing short-term initiatives to sell essential foods at controlled prices for three months.
- Establishing Osun Food Mart in each Senatorial district.
- Forming a Market Task Force to track foodstuff marketing and pricing.
- Promoting the establishment of storage facilities for better food preservation.
- Implementing a policy for buying back excess yam and potato tubers.
- Drafting price regulation policies.
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