Food Security: Ekiti Installs Bumper Harvest Storage Facilities

Ekiti State Government Establishes Storage Facilities to Combat Food Scarcity

In a strategic effort to ensure year-round food security, the Ekiti State Government has established storage facilities across the state to purchase and preserve farm produce during harvest seasons for distribution during periods of scarcity.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, while inspecting one of the agricultural storage facilities in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s proactive measures to prevent the food shortages experienced in the state last year.

Governor Oyebanji highlighted that the government’s immediate priority is to tackle food scarcity, minimize post-harvest losses, and guarantee consistent food availability across the state.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection—accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer; and Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Tayo Adeola—Governor Oyebanji noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for state governors to prioritize food security as a critical step in addressing hunger nationwide.

The governor revealed that in 2024, the state cultivated over 6,000 hectares of farmland. However, the lack of adequate storage facilities posed a significant challenge in preserving harvested crops. This prompted the administration to invest in building modern storage centers to mitigate future food shortages.

According to Governor Oyebanji, these facilities will play a vital role in stabilizing food prices during times of scarcity by allowing the government to release stored produce into the market.

He also expressed satisfaction that a significant portion of the produce was sourced from young farmers participating in the Bring Back Youth in Agriculture program. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating hunger and achieving sustainable food security in Ekiti State.

“We promised the people of Ekiti good governance, and we are committed to delivering on that promise. Following the President’s directive on food security, we initiated the first phase of a comprehensive strategy to free ourselves from hunger. Last year, we cultivated over 6,000 hectares of farmland,” Governor Oyebanji stated.

“Moving forward, we will purchase crops from our youth farmers, store them in these facilities, and release them into the market when food prices rise, ensuring price stability,” he added.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer, reiterated that the initiative is designed not only to fight hunger but also to empower youth in agriculture.

He explained that by guaranteeing government support and purchase of farm produce, particularly from young farmers, the program will encourage increased agricultural production. This assurance ensures that farmers’ efforts will not go to waste and that their produce will contribute to the state’s food sufficiency.

The Ekiti State Government’s proactive approach aims to build a resilient agricultural sector that supports farmers, controls food prices, and guarantees steady food supply for all citizens.