The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Osun State, Dr Najeem Salaam, has pledged to revamp agriculture through subsidised inputs, guaranteed off-take, and irrigation infrastructure to boost productivity and food security if elected.
Salaam made the pledge on Tuesday while addressing party supporters during the ADC campaign tour of Odo-Otin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas.
He said Osun State is richly blessed with vast agricultural resources and enormous opportunities to grow its economy without excessive dependence on federal allocations.
“Despite the immense potential of the agricultural sector, many of the resources required to maximise its benefits remain underutilised. If we are serious about achieving sustainable economic growth, there must be a deliberate and strategic deployment of resources backed by a robust action plan capable of transforming agriculture into a major driver of development,” he said.
The ADC candidate stated that his administration would pursue policies that encourage increased agricultural production, strengthen value chains, promote agro-processing, and create an enabling environment for farmers and agribusinesses to thrive.
“By doing so, we will not only improve food security but also expand economic opportunities for our people,” Salaam added.
Dr Salaam assured farmers across the state that his administration would implement measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and profitability. According to him, government support would include subsidised access to fertilisers, improved seedlings, modern equipment, and mechanised farming tools.
He added that his administration would establish an adequate framework to facilitate the off-taking, marketing, and price guarantee of agricultural produce, thereby protecting farmers from market uncertainties and ensuring fair returns on their investments.
He further explained that, in the medium and long term, significant resources would be invested in irrigation infrastructure and water-retention systems to improve year-round farming activities and mitigate the adverse effects of flooding, drought, and other climate-related challenges.
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