Farmers receives tomato seedlings #Ondo

The
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development on Thursday distributed 120,000
grams of improved tomato seedlings to 240
farmers for massive production in Ondo State.
Mr Rufus Omakinwa, the Federal Director of
Agriculture in the state, said that the distribution
of high yielding and disease- resistant seeds, was
aimed at empowering the farmers.
Omakinwa represented the minister, Dr
Adewumi Adesina, at the launch of the Growth
Enhancement Scheme (GES) for tomato in Ikare-
Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area
of the state.
He said that the distribution was aimed at
enhancing the Agricultural Transformation
Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The director said that the concept was to attract
Nigerians back to farming, which used to be the
nation's main revenue earner.
Farming, he noted, had also served as a veritable
source of raw materials to tomato factories in the
country.
“In order for the horticultural value chain to be felt
in Ondo State, the Federal Government has taken
steps to distribute quality tomato seedlings.
“This will enable farmers to produce optimally.
“The gesture is being enjoyed by Ondo State
today because it is one of the states that have
relative advantage in tomato production.
“We are giving the seedlings out to enhance their
productivity.
“A total of 240 hectares of tomato lands will be
cultivated because 500 grams meant for each
beneficiary, can be planted on a hectare.
“This will make enough tomato available to the
Perfect Integrated Tomato Factory in Arigidi-
Akoko for maximum production,” he said.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Lasisi
Oluboyo, commended the Federal Government
for implementing the programme, saying that it
would enhance tomato production in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Solomon Adeyisola, the
General Secretary of the Ondo State Association
of Tomato Farmers, who spoke to NAN,
commended the effort of the Federal
Government.
“Mr President has improved the agriculture sector
through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.”
He, however, urged the government to extend
loans and other agricultural inputs to tomato
farmers in the state.