The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural transformation following the participation of staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and key agro-stakeholders in a train-the-trainer certification programme at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, said the initiative underscores the government’s determination to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure effective participation in the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme.
Boluwade explained that the training was facilitated by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in collaboration with the Global Center on Adaptation for states selected by the African Development Bank Group under the SAPZ Phase II initiative.
According to him, the programme focused on critical areas including soil health management and seed systems development, equipping participants with tools to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve productivity.
The Commissioner added that participants engaged in practical sessions, field assessments and hands-on training in digital soil health and fertility mapping, as well as climate-resilient seed system digitisation aimed at improving traceability and adaptability.
The Commissioner said the training also emphasised the need to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve processing efficiency and create employment opportunities across the sector.
Boluwade noted that the initiative, which aligns with the agricultural agenda of Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, is expected to enhance farmers’ productivity and deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He said the programme would encourage the adoption of data-driven farming practices, boost agro-processing, improve investor confidence and ultimately strengthen food security in the state.
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