The Ondo State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to advance mechanised farming and strengthen food security across the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the NALDA team, led by the Ondo State Coordinator, Olusola Ayandokun, at the governor’s office in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa identified land clearing as one of the biggest challenges stopping many farmers, especially young people, from embracing mechanised agriculture.
“We know that one of the major expenditures that hinders many farmers from going into mechanised farming or expanding their operations is land clearing. I’ve heard that land clearing is one of the key activities of NALDA, and this is encouraging,” he said.
The governor praised NALDA’s integrated farm estate model, which is being implemented in other states, and pointed out that Ondo already has similar infrastructure, particularly in farm settlements, that can be revived and upgraded under the partnership.
He added that the collaboration with NALDA could help promote animal husbandry, especially in areas like goat and rabbit farming, which align with Ondo’s natural strengths.
In response, NALDA Coordinator Ayandokun assured the governor of the agency’s full support for Ondo State’s agricultural agenda.
He explained that NALDA, a Federal Government initiative, is focused on reclaiming farmland, empowering farmers, and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
“NALDA’s goals include land clearing, preparation, and allocation to farmers, as well as establishing integrated farm estates, providing agricultural inputs, promoting animal husbandry, and training,” Ayandokun said.
He also highlighted Ondo’s suitability for projects involving cocoa, oil palm, goat and rabbit farming, as well as integrated farm settlements.
Areas like Ile-Oluji farm settlement have already been mapped for pilot projects, and training modules are in place to guide participating farmers.
Ayandokun stressed the importance of promoting backyard farming among households, urging every family to participate in either crop or livestock farming to strengthen grassroots food security.
