The Lagos State government has pledged to increase necessary support to farmers towards boosting food supply in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave this assurance at the event marking the year 2023 World Food Day at the Police College in Ikeja.
The governor who stressed the need for the state to grow what the residents will consume indicated interest in collaborating with other states in meeting the food needs of the populace.
He challenged officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, extension workers and project managers to continue to assist the farmers especially the aquaculture farming, piggery, fishery, poultry and all other areas the state has potentials to excel.
The governor expressed joy that the state is also doing well in vegetable and fruits celebrating the ingenuity of the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture.
He further said and I quote” farming for us is important as we look forward to collaboration with other states in maximising the potentials of the biggest Rice Mill. We need to ensure that food is available and affordable. We know that the price of food had gone up but with intervention like this bringing market to the consumers will reduce the barriers in the supply network.”
On her part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Bisola Olusanya thanked the Governor for the full backing of policy of the ministry.
She said the governor out of busy schedule finds time to honour the farmers she described as backbone of the nation.
According to her, farmers will continue to enjoy friendly environment to operate in order to recoup their investment at all times.
In terms of public private partnerships, the commissioner was full of praises to all their partners over the years who have been supporting the farmers.
On the World Food Day set aside every October 16th being the anniversary of the Food Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations to encourage action of food insecurity, promote production and consumption of save food that have immediate and long time benefits to the people.
The theme for this year’s World Food Day celebration is “Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind.”
