The Kayode Fayemi-led administration in Ekiti State has earmarked about N2.8 billion for various agricultural and rural development projects in the 2019 fiscal year.
Giving the breakdown of the 2019 budget in Ado-Ekiti, Oladapo Kolawole, the state commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, explained that out of the proposed amount dedicated to the sector, a sum of N242million had been allocated for Land Bank development in the agricultural sector.
The commissioner also said that about N40million would be spent for the establishment of Cocoa Clonal Garden and rehabilitation centre.
He explained that N500million would be used to complete the College of Agriculture in Isan-Ekiti, while N604million would be for land clearing.
Kolawole, who maintained that about N80million is meant for renovation of farm settlements and other facilities, however explained that N300million would be expended to purchase tractors and other farm implement in the financial year.
According to him, the sum of N50million was allocated for renovation and construction of farm offices, houses and labour lines for YCAD.
He added that pastoral and grazing lands development would take N300million.
Kolawole however assured that with the intention and plan of government to harness the potential in the agriculture sector with the budget provision, the living conditions of Ekiti people would improve tremendously.
Akinremi Feyisipo, Ado-Ekiti
