As parts of State government’s efforts to boast agricultural output of farmers to earn more income particularly cocoa farmers, Osun Produce Board has flagged off the distribution of quality agro chemicals and farm implements requested by farmers in the state of Osun.
Performing the flagging off at the conference hall of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Osun Produce Board, Dr Yemi Adegoke stated that the distribution of thirty-three cartons of Ultimax Chemical, which is the most needed for cocoa farmers at high raining period is to fulfill the promise and agreement between the Board and Cocoa Farmers in order to boast cocoa farming business in the State.
Dr Adegoke further stressed while addressing the delegates of Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Cocoa Dun Association, that the Ultimax Agro Chemicals worth N2.5 million were procured through bank loan.
According to him, Osun Produce Board which is saddled with the responsibility of increasing farmers income through improved quantity and quality farm produce to ensure massive food production, take the risk of collecting the loan for farmers to get agro chemicals at cheaper prices and lessen the burden of purchasing agro chemicals at high prices. He added that their loyalty would be put into test on how prompt they repay the loan.
Dr Adegoke pledged the readiness of the board to further provide more chemicals and farm implements if farmers can pay back the money of the supplied agro chemicals within short period.
State Chairman, Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Elder Andrew Ojo saluted the proactiveness of the board by fulfilling its promises within little time of the farmers requests, adding that such step will further maintain and improve the partnership of Cocoa farmers with Osun Produce Board.
Also, Secretary of Cocoa Dun Association, state of Osun Chapter, Prince Abimbola Adewola described the provision of the agro chemicals as laudable and commendable.
He charged the board to further subsidise the chemicals and other farm implements requested by farmers, and provide more chemicals in order to completely alleviate the suffering of cocoa farmers in the state.
