The Government of Ekiti State, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, plans to implement cluster farming during the upcoming planting season as part of its strategy to enhance productivity and provide better access to markets in 2024. The scheme is named “Operation Community-Commodity-Cooperative (CCC).”
The scheme aims to foster proper coordination and collaboration among farmers, making marketing products less stressful. It is also anticipated to reduce transaction costs, lower information asymmetries, and improve bargaining power.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, highlights that the CCC scheme has the potential to be a game-changer, significantly improving the efficiency of smallholder farmers.
Cluster farming is expected to enhance food security within the state by allowing smallholders to pool resources and increase productivity. Communities or cooperatives with unencumbered land are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for cluster-based land clearing operations, to be conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The land slated for farming must be free of encumbrance and accompanied by a letter of no objection from traditional rulers in the area. Conditions include the identification of crops with commercial advantages, a preference for land with water bodies, and a minimum of contiguous 10 hectares of land.
Interested cooperatives and communities are urged to apply through the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security or Extension Officers in all Local Government Areas.
The Government of Ekiti State continues to lead as a model sub-national government with a commitment to creating an attractive destination for agribusiness investment.
Peoplesmind
