The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, has urged residents to utilize available spaces in their homes for farming as a practical solution to tackle immediate hunger and the rising cost of food in the country.
Speaking to newsmen in her office in Ilorin, the state capital on Tuesday, Mrs. Thomas emphasized the importance of utilizing small spaces in homes to plant vegetables and other crops, thereby supplementing household nutrition with a diverse range of plants.
The Commissioner noted that the Kwara State Government, recognizing the importance of this initiative, has introduced a backyard farming program aimed at encouraging residents to start their gardens.
She added that the state government has commenced the scheme by supporting 50 households with seedlings across the sixteen local governments until every household is captured.
Mrs. Thomas explained that the state has strategic plans in place and has begun implementing them by training at least 50 households in each of the 16 local governments on how to effectively carry out backyard farming. Additionally, the state government is providing seeds to these households to kick-start their farming activities immediately after training.
Mrs. Thomas emphasized the potential of backyard farming to significantly enhance food security and effectively serve as the alternative to tackling the rising costs of foods in the market.
She highlighted that backyard farming, also known as homestead farming, is a realistic and sustainable approach to address food shortages and high food prices. If many households engage in this type of farming, there will be an abundant supply of food, which in turn will reduce prices and tackle hunger.
According to Mrs. Thomas, this farming practice not only ensures a healthier and richer food supply but also contributes to a safer environment.
