Seyi Makinde Outline Vision For The Fermers At The Agriculture Retreat In Ibadan

Excerpts from my address outlining my vision for agriculture, delivered at the Oyo State Agribusiness Strategic Planning Retreat
My vision for agriculture in Oyo State can be summed up in two words ‘Comparative Advantage.’ … I will be outlining some measurable strategies that we have already put in place to take full advantage of Oyo State’s comparative advantage.

Saying that agriculture is Oyo State’s key for unlocking the economic prosperity in the state is not mere rhetoric. But, despite being one hundred per cent (100%) non-oil based economy, agriculture contributes a mere 24% to our nominal GDP.

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…[M]y vision is to help farmers see they are part of a larger chain and that their approach to farming can either help the system grow or keep it moribund. For the agri sector’s contribution to GDP to increase, our administration must see agriculture as a business.

I must note at this point that in my assessment of agriculture in Oyo State, I have been able to identify a key area of comparative advantage: aquaculture. Oyo State has some of the best conditions for raising market ready catfish and tilapia in Nigeria.

So, there is a market for fish. But, Oyo State does not have a central fish market.  …I am determined to invest in this area. As promised during my campaigns, before the completion of my one year in office, we will have a functioning central fish market in Oyo State.

One of the core issues that farmers in Nigeria face is access to storage facilities.  In Oyo State, we have a facility that can store up to 10,000 metric tonnes of grain. Plans are in top gear to ensure that the automated silos are completed and put into use. It will be operated on a Public-Private Partnership basis.

…[A]side from the areas where Oyo State already has competitive advantage, we are looking to invest in research and development to come up with more efficient ways of running agriculture as a business.

Establishment of cottage industries in commodities clustered areas (P.P.P.). For example, we have nine farm settlements… These provide investment opportunity for input suppliers, logistics companies and developers interested in building markets and stalls.

There are also opportunities in fruit processing. Oyo State has an existing horticulture industry. We have the popular Ogbomosho Mango. Meat Processing and Cassava processing are also areas we are considering for focus in investment in the long term.

The policy thrust of my government remains to improve the productivity of farmers in Oyo State by strengthening existing areas of comparative advantage for commercial agriculture and developing and championing new areas of competitive advantage.