Organic Farming enhances nutritional value – Gov. Oyebanji
By Precious Oham
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has said that organic agriculture enhances value and improves the quality of life of the citizens.
Oyebanji said this on Friday when stakeholders in organic agriculture under the auspices of Justice, Development and Peace Initiative, JDPI, of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Ado-Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji noted that his administration is committed to implementing sustainable policies that will strengthen agriculture and food security in the state.
He lauded the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti for always been at the forefront of developmental strides in the state.
“Our discussion was quite educative. It centered on ways we can promote and support organic farming in the State as organic farming enhances the nutritional value of our produce. We also explored avenues to encourage more farmers to adopt these practices.
“My administration is committed to implementing sustainable policies that will strengthen agriculture and food security in Ekiti State, ultimately improving the quality of life of our people.
“Since there have been a policy on this, we have crossed a major hurdle. We need a lot of work to do and we have to be deliberate. We can scale it up and agree on what to do.
“The Catholic Diocese of Ekiti has always been step ahead in everything. Since the Bishop took over, the Catholic Diocese has been at the forefront of everything.”
Meanwhile, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, who led the delegation lauded the governor for collaborating with JDPI Ekiti to enhance organic agriculture in the state.
He said: “I’m very much in love with organic farming. You have shown that commitment and we pray that this collaboration will continue.”
Earlier, in his presentation, Director of JDPI in Ekiti State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade said the body has launched the organic farming campaign for production of healthier food items in right quality and quantity at affordable prices.
He disclosed that JDPI has trained no fewer than 558 adults and youth farmers comprising of 347 males and 181 females, and 773 student farmers in 22 secondary schools on organic agriculture in 15 LGAs of Ekiti State.
Rev. Fr. Akingbade went further to solicit support from the governor in the provision of farm implements like tractors, power tillers; land areas in the 16 LGAs for organic farming; market space for organic produce among others.