Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave his words once again that the Lagos state government is willing to give the agricultural sector a great boost through Urban Farming, at the networking programme organized by the Kingdom of Netherlands in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Agriculture.
This statement was made through his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat at the symposium held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, tagged “Urban Farming: Feeding the Cities”.
Dr. Hamzat, said that the state government strongly believe that Urban Farming initiatives would reduce spoilage of foods caused by long hours of transportation, increase local production of leafy and fruit vegetables, provide farmers with various agricultural inputs, technologies, equipment and other technical know- how that would stimulate aggressive and sustainable agricultural production.
Mr Deputy Governor added that the popularization of urban agriculture through production of fruits and vegetables of plants, rearing of livestock within and around cities, community gardening, rooftop gardening, urban forest gardening, green walls, vertical farms, beekeeping amongst others shall ensure that the citizens have a steady stream of income while overcoming the challenge of food scarcity and hunger.
In her contribution, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture appreciated the Dutch government in partnering with the state and said that our doors are open for more of such collaborations through private sector partnerships.
She added that it is important to note that the prospects of Urban Farming to the state is paramount to the present administration as it will lead to availability of nutritious and healthy foods, create employment for our teeming youths and equally act as a source of raw materials for the various manufacturing industries requiring the agricultural produce for their products.
In his own words, The Netherlands Deputy Consul General, Mr. Arie Plieger, said that his country is eager and ready to partner with Lagos State in sustaining food security as well as boost inclusive and sustainable growths.