Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have been advised to explore the options of technology to take advantage of agriculture without necessarily owing a farmland.
This admonition was given by the Chairman, Ogun State Committee on Export Promotion and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, at the one-day workshop organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in collaboration with Guaranty Trust Bank in Abeokuta.
Aikulola said that there were expansive opportunities in the area of agriculture in Ogun State which has about 70% of its 16,000 square meter of its arable land cultivatable .
Urging the young population and stakeholders to utilize the existing opportunities, he said that playing the role of an intermediary in absence of farmland and resources in the agricultural value chain with the aid of technology and some travels was a way to go.
According to him, you don’t need a big farm to start. You can start with minimal land or green houses while you continue to grow the business steadily.
“Use your laptop, smart phone and some little travels to boost your contacts and you will start making money as an intermediary without even stepping out to any farm. The Covid-19 pandemic opened our eyes to many things we can do remotely, “Aikulola said.
He further charged the stakeholders to embrace the numerous benefits of the workshop which enlightens them on how to access funds without stress, adding that the Quality Assurance Laboratory and Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport would easily make farm produce and local products available in the overseas markets.
