The Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Chief Abiodun Adejo, has expressed the readiness of the association to hold the fourth edition of the Ondo State International Agric Show and Food Fair (OSIAFFA).
The event, which will bring together experts, stakeholders, and key players in the agricultural sector, aims to foster the exchange of ideas and innovations.
The programme slated to commence on December 3 and end on December 5, will be declared open by the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome). It will also 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.
The event, with the theme “Food Processing: A Panacea for Food Insecurity,” 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.
It will also feature seminars and workshops, business networking opportunities, cultural showcases, and award presentations and investitures.
Chief Adejo said 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 chairman said OSIAFFA 2024 promises to be even bigger and better, offering exciting new opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.
According to him, “This year’s event is an important milestone for OSACA as we continue to empower farmers and agribusinesses in Ondo State.”
Chief 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.
He explained that herders-farmers clashes have 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.
Also, in his response, the Chairman of the Southwest Farmers Commodities Organisation, Mr. Oluwafemi Aluko, revealed that 33.3 percent of farm produce in Nigeria is lost annually between the farm gate and city centers due to bad roads, poor transportation, inadequate storage facilities, and inefficient processing systems.
He noted that if all these challenges are tackled, there will be food security in the country.
