Emmanuel OchayiLagos State Commissioner of Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya Advocates Youth Involvement in Farming as Crucial for Economic Growth and Development.
The call for increased youth engagement in agriculture resonated strongly at the Salespush Academy seminar titled “Unleashed Potential: Harnessing Opportunities in Agriculture, Real Estate, and Fintech” held in University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State on 27 November 2023.
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, the Director of Agricultural Training Institute, emphasized the immense potential and opportunities available in the agricultural sector.
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During his address, Audu highlighted critical statistics, stating that Lagos State consumes food worth of N5.8 trillion annually. He underscored the need for increased agricultural production within the state, indicating that currently, only 20% of the consumed food is locally produced.
He pointed out that the aging demographic of farmers in Lagos necessitates the involvement of the younger generation in agriculture.
“The youths need to be adopted into the agric space. Agriculture is a noble profession,” Audu emphasized, advocating for the active participation of young individuals in farming activities.
He highlighted the supportive measures introduced by the Lagos State government to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
“Agriculture is no longer just traditional farming; it’s an arena ripe with opportunities. The government is championing initiatives like the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (L.A.P), offering one-month intensive agricultural training. This program covers areas such as fishery, crop production, and more, targeting 1200 youths,” stated Audu.
He further elaborated on the post-training mentorship provided to participants and outlined the Eko Agro Mechanization Scheme aimed at making agriculture attractive to the younger generation.
Audu also shed light on the Food System Transformation Agents, affirming these initiatives’ role in encouraging youth involvement in farming activities.
“The government is actively seeking to attract and engage young individuals in the agricultural sector. Through programs like the L.A.P and the Eko Agro Mechanization Scheme, we aim to make agriculture appealing and rewarding to the youth,” emphasized the Director.
He concluded by reiterating the commitment of the Lagos State government towards transforming the agricultural landscape and creating favorable conditions for the youth to thrive in the sector.
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