The Lagos State Government is considering solar energy as an alternative power source to reduce farming costs, boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this in a message to the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority’s National Programme for Food Security, themed “Solar Energy as a Sustainable Alternative Power Source for Mechanised Farming.”
The programme was held at Philjul Events Gallery, Oba Ogunji Road, Agege.
Represented by Mrs. Aramide Gansallo, Olusanya said high energy costs remained a major burden on farmers, who often transferred production expenses to consumers.
She said the government had provided markets for farmers to sell their produce, adding that the third food hub in the series had recently opened in Agege.
She urged participants to share the knowledge gained at the training with other farmers to improve food production across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, said unreliable electricity and rising fuel prices continued to affect farming operations.
Represented by Mr. Omotosho Ade Victor, he said solar energy could provide a sustainable alternative, support irrigation and enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year.
He also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reduce production costs and increase agricultural productivity.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, represented by the Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Olufemi Ogunseye, described the programme as timely, noting that technology was becoming increasingly important to agricultural development.
He said technology adoption could attract more youths to agriculture and improve productivity, urging participants to strengthen partnerships to accelerate the sector’s transformation.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Mrs. Aderoke Toju-Tubi, said the training aligned with the agency’s efforts to promote the transition from conventional to mechanised farming.
She reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions for smallholder and large-scale farmers.
Toju-Tubi also highlighted the agency’s achievements, including the introduction of soilless farming technology at its Agege headquarters, which provides learning opportunities for farmers, students and other stakeholders.
She added that the Lagos Call Help Line had helped address various challenges faced by farmers.
In a presentation, Dr. Olayinka Akinola Omotosho of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, encouraged farmers to adopt solar energy, assuring them of support in addressing challenges they might encounter.
Farmers from Ado-Badoore, Ibeju-Lekki Site 5, Ayobo-Ipaja Site 7 and Amuwo-Odofin/Ojo Site 8 participated in the programme.
