FG Distributes Tomato Seedlings To Farmers

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Thursday distributed 120,000 grams of improved tomato seedlings to 240 farmers for massive production in Ondo State.Mr Rufus Omakinwa, the Federal Director of Agriculture in the state, said that the distribution of high yielding and disease- resistant seeds, was aimed at empowering the farmers.Omakinwa represented the minister, Dr Adewumi Adesina, at the launch of the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) for tomato in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state.He said that the distribution was aimed at enhancing the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.The director said that the concept was to attract Nigerians back to farming, which used to be the nation's main revenue earner.Farming, he noted, had also served as a veritable source of raw materials to tomato factories in the country.“In order for the horticultural value chain to be felt in Ondo State, the Federal Government has taken steps to distribute quality tomato seedlings.“This will enable farmers to produce optimally.“The gesture is being enjoyed by Ondo State today because it is one of the states that have relative advantage in tomato production.“We are giving the seedlings out to enhance their productivity.“A total of 240 hectares of tomato lands will be cultivated because 500 grams meant for each beneficiary, can be planted on a hectare.“This will make enough tomato available to the Perfect Integrated Tomato Factory in Arigidi-Akoko for maximum production,” he said.The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Lasisi Oluboyo, commended the Federal Government for implementing the programme, saying that it would enhance tomato production in the state.Also speaking, Mr Solomon Adeyisola, the General Secretary of the Ondo State Association of Tomato Farmers, who spoke to NAN, commended the effort of the Federal Government.“Mr President has improved the agriculture sector through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.”He, however, urged the government to extend loans and other agricultural inputs to tomato farmers in the state. (NAN)