Gov Adeleke Receives Report From Food Security Committee In Osogbo, Announces Immediate Constitution Of Implementation Committee

The committee that was set up to proffer solutions to various aspects of food security including farm security, food pricing and availability as well as widening operating support and ensuring an enabling environment for farmers in Osun state, has submitted its report to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed noted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com  on Friday that the chairman of the Committee , who is also  the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru, submitted the report to Governor Adeleke at the Government House on Thursday evening.

The commissioner noted that  the report considered the pressing challenges of food security to make far- reaching recommendations.

The chairman of the Committee , who commended the foresight of Governor Adeleke, said the 18 -man committee conducted spot survey and research to arrive at the recommendations which he described as actionable and implementable within a framework of short , medium and long term matrix.

Responding , Governor Adeleke, who described food security as the most pressing issue facing the nation, noted that immediate action will be taken to implement the recommendations of the Committee.

The governor said; ‘I am directing the setting up of an implementation Committee under my Special Adviser on Agriculture. The committee whose members will be made public on Monday must ensure that immediate actions are taken on the recommendations.

We cannot wait any longer. The issue of affordability and availability of food to our people cannot be treated with levity. We must support our people to survive this high inflation and emerging food insecurity’.

The statement also noted that the committee chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru,  has recommended a series of solutions to address food security challenges which are divided into short , medium and long term agenda.

‘On farm security, the committee recommended the establishment of Farm Security Network comprising personnel from various security Agencies including Traditional leaders; integration of the services of local Vigilante and hunters; immediate education and training on farm security and pest control for farmers; strengthening of collaboration between local and official security forces with knowledge of the region for farm protection; orientation Programme for Fulani and Farmers; introduction of border poisoning plants; introduction of physical measures to protect farm borders; launching of Community- Based Security Intelligence Programme and the  passing into law of Anti-Open Grazing bill

On expanding farm activities, the committee recommended provision of  farm equipment through public-private partnership (PPP); establishment of a farm equipment leasing scheme for immediate access to tools at a subsidized fee; renewal of the memorandum of understanding with Leventis Foundation; ensure immediate continuation of annual training programmes for Osun youths in Agriculture and Agribusiness; supply of farm implements through structured farm groups including Women in Agriculture; facilitate the immediate supply of tools and inputs to farmers through organized groups; mass mobilization of citizens on home farming; implement long-term incentive programs such as subsidized seed and tool distribution, and tractor availability for sustained agricultural growth;

On food market centre, the committee recommended the establishment  of a central market for subsidized farm produce to ensure food affordability at three Senatorial districts; facilitate the allocation and clearing of land to interested young people and women for agricultural pursuits; initiate Irrigation farming system at Farm Settlements; introduction of irrigation systems for improved and sustainable farming practices; training retirees and about-to-retire employees on home gardening; rehabilitation of existing 13 Tractor Hiring Offices for better tractorization service delivery; establishment of 3-member monitoring team in each  of the Tractor Hiring Offices; tracking the tractors for monitoring purposes; procurement of GPS for land size measurement.

On tracking of food prices, the committee further suggested  the conduct of  Market Survey of food items in Osun state; to purchase Rice, Garri, and other staple foods in bulk and sell at controlled prices; implement a short-term initiative to sell essential foods to households at controlled prices for the next three months; the establishment of Osun Food Mart at each Senatorial district for easy buying and selling of the subsidized products.

Others are the establishment of Market Task force on tracking foodstuff marketing and pricing;  setting up of an ad hoc committee to track and address issues such as hoarding, fake measurements, and price manipulation in the short term, as well as enforcing compliance with regulated food prices; promote the establishment of storage facilities to ensure better food preservation and availability; implement a policy for buying back excess yam and potato tubers to manage supply and demand; establishment and drafting of price regulations policy among several others’ the statement added-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you