0
0
ODSG ENGAGES FARMERS ON IMPORTANCE OF EUROPEAN UNION DEFORESTATION REGULATION GUIDELINES
As part of efforts to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation, the Ondo State Government has been engaging farmers on the need to support measures put in place to ensure cocoa beans produced in the state are acceptable in the European market. The state is the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria, accounting for over 40% of cocoa exports from the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Elegbeka and Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of the state, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, urged farmers in forest reserves to cooperate with consultants handling polygon mapping and agroforestry initiatives required for European Union Deforestation Regulation compliance.
Engr Akinola informed farmers in Elegbeka community, who are predominantly arable farmers, to maintain good relationships with their hosts and respect the customs and traditions of the host community. He added that all farmers would have their farms mapped, and the government would provide indigenous trees for them to plant alongside their arable crops, which refers to agroforestry.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Media and Public Relations in the ministry, Sola Omoboyoww, the Commissioner explained that forest reserves would be divided into three zones: the sustainable zone, which will be earmarked for agroforestry; the core zone, which is prohibited from human activities; and the buffer zone, which will be decided by the Governor. He stated that indigenous tree seedlings would be established across various forestry zones in the state as part of EUDR conditions.
Engr. Akinola emphasized that these initiatives aim to protect farmers’ interests and enable their produce to enter the international market. Data gathered will assist the government in planning ahead. He stressed the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure the program’s success before the December 31st deadline set by the European Union.
The Commissioner informed farmers that after fieldwork is completed, the Ministry will forward necessary documents to the State House of Assembly to amend the 1954 forestry gazetted law to allow farming activities in some parts of forest reserves due to population growth in the state.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Ebira Matters, Ondo Northern Senatorial District, Mr. Fatai Temuche, and Chief Samuel Bamidele, the Adeule of Ifon, appreciated the government’s gesture to allow farming activities in some parts of the forest due to population growth and other factors. The two community leaders promised to enlighten their people on the importance of protecting the forest through agroforestry initiatives and vowed to support the program’s goals.
About The Author
