Ekiti State Executive Council at its sitting on Wednesday, approved the clearing of over 1,554 hectares of Agricultural Land across 5 Local Government Areas (Oye, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Emure, Ido-Osi and Ilejemeje) to open up the axis for Farming and fulfil its readiness to partner with multilateral donors in developing agriculture in the state.

The Fayemi-led administration is determined to nurture and grow the transformational agribusiness value chain, that will enhance food security, employment opportunities and empower women and youths. It has met with development partners and representatives of foreign governments, including China, India and Belarus to bring increased trade, new markets, and sustainable development to Ekiti State.

The policy direction of the Fayemi-led administration is to reduce poverty, improve living conditions of Ekiti people and mobilize resources for the state’s economic and social development. As part of efforts to realise this laudable vision of transformation in the agricultural sector, the State Government has entered into a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) to participate in the implementation of FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development (VCDP).

The objective of the program is to enhance and improve the income and food security of poor rural households that are engaged in the production, processing and marketing of rice and Cassava on a sustainable basis.

There is also an agreement with the World Bank/FGN sponsored Agro-processing Productivity Enhancing and Livelihood Improvement Support Programme (APPEALS) with the overall objective of enhancing the transformational Agric Value Chain Development of Ekiti State, particularly in the areas of modernizing and upgrading the existing traditional and drudgery propelled agro-processing centres for maximum productivity.

With the plan to clear a significant land area, the government has shown its commitment to activate the agrarian potential of the state and create more jobs in the agricultural sector.