— Set for Agric show, food fair

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Chief Abiodun Adejo, has lamented that huge post-harvest losses remained a challenge to farmers due to inadequate storage and food processing facilities.

Adejo, said this in Akure, ahead of the the fourth edition of the Ondo State International Agric Show and Food Fair (OSIAFFA), slated to commence on December 3 and end on December 5, in the state.

The event, which will bring together experts, stakeholders, and key players in the agricultural sector, aims to foster the exchange of ideas and innovations.

It will be declared open by the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) and expected to be attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and former State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who is the patron of the association, among other dignitaries.

With the theme “Food Processing: A Panacea for Food Insecurity,” the agric show and food fair, will feature exhibitions of cutting-edge food processing technologies, modern farming equipment, and diverse agricultural and food products from the state and beyond.

Participants will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovations transforming the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and improving the efficiency of the food production process.

Speaking on the event, Adejo, said that the problem has far reaching implications for food security in the country.

Adejo, therefore stressed the need to focus more on the production of storage and processing facilities in the rural areas to eliminate post-harvest losses.

According to him there’s need to have storage facilities; processing facilities that would reduce, if not eliminate, post-harvest losses.

He noted that lack of preservation can lead to significant losses in farm produce, which can exacerbate food insecurity.

The Chairman said that the event, will also feature seminars and workshops, business networking opportunities, cultural showcases, and award presentations and investitures.

According to him the “annual event, organized by the association, has grown to become a flagship event in the agricultural and food sectors, dedicated to showcasing innovations, fostering partnerships, and addressing pressing issues affecting farming.

“With over 3,000 farmers, leaders, policymakers, and agricultural enthusiasts participating in previous editions, the 2024 promises to be even bigger and better, offering exciting new opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.

“This year’s event is an important milestone for OSACA as we continue to empower farmers and agribusinesses in Ondo State.”

Adejo expressed his belief that food processing is the key to unlocking sustainable food security. He also noted that this year’s fair would create a platform for collaboration, learning, and business opportunities.

While responding to challenges facing farmers, including lack of preservation facilities, herders-farmers clashes, transportation and bad road networks, and the high cost of feeds for animal husbandry, the chairman noted that the resource persons at the event would educate farmers on local preservation methods to extend the shelf life of farm produce for marketing, as advanced preservation technologies are not affordable.

On herders-farmers clashes, a n the state, Adejo said it has reduced drastically due to a tripartite committee set up by the state government to find a lasting solution to the issue.

On transportation challenges and the poor road network confronting farmers in moving farm produce to urban areas, he pointed out that the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration is addressing these issues by constructing the Oda Board Road and Idanre rural road to ease the transportation of farm produce.

He added that the association is working with the State Ministry of Agriculture to make all dams in the state accessible for year-round farming.

The Chairman of the Southwest Farmers Commodities Organisation, Mr. Oluwafemi Aluko, said that 33.3 percent of farm produce in Nigeria is lost annually due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities.