Ekiti State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has officially flagged off the distribution and sale of subsidized agrochemicals to farmers across the state as part of its ongoing agricultural support initiatives.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ado-Ekiti,the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, described the development as a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to enhancing food production and supporting farmers.

“This is indeed a good time for farmers in Ekiti State. We have already commenced land clearing and provision of farm inputs at subsidized rates, and today, we are adding agrochemicals to the list. Subsidized fertilizers are also on the way. The government is also ready to offtake farmers’ produce, ensuring a guaranteed market for their efforts”, he said.

The Commissioner noted that the government has partnered with Saro Agrochemicals to ensure the distribution and sales of high-quality and authentic agrochemical products to farmers across the State.

He emphasized that farmers would however be required to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and farm location details to benefit from the programme in order to ensure that the agrochemicals get to the right people.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Babatope Ojo, expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security for making the initiative possible.

He urged farmers to make proper use of the subsidized agrochemicals and not to divert or sell them, stressing the importance of the inputs in boosting productivity.

In a goodwill message, the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Hon. Babatunde Fawekun expressed the readiness of the State legislature to partner with the Governor to ensure massive food production and unrivaled support to farmers, calling on Agric stakeholders to support the move of the State Government.

Representing the farming community, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. Adebola Alagbada, lauded the government for the initiative. “This is a beautiful development with numerous benefits,” he stated. “Farmers now have access to genuine and original agrochemicals at subsidized prices, unlike the fake and ineffective ones we often encounter in the open market.’

He commended the Ekiti State Government and the Ministry of Agriculture for the laudable gesture, promising the readiness of the farmers to reciprocate the magnanimity of the State Government.

The distribution of agrochemicals marks another step in the government’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen the agricultural sector, enhance food security, and improve the livelihood of farmers in Ekiti State.

Interested farmers are to contact the FADAMA office at the State Secretariat for the purchase of the agrochemicals, including Uproot, Vigor, Striker, Mackecknie Gold, Slasher, Hallakat WG, Kombat and Select Gold.