Ekiti Catholic Bishop wants youth involvement in organic farming

The Catholic Bishopof Ekiti Diocese,Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, has called for the involvement of youths in agriculture, especially organic farming.Bishop Ajakaye made the call while speaking in Ire-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, during the 10th annual general meeting of Ekiti Diocese Organic Farmers Organisation.He said the neglect of the agricultural sector was a source of concern, pointing out that government at all levels must devise means of encouraging youths to venture into farming as a means of ensuring the attainment of food security in the country.The cleric also stressed the need for organic agriculture, saying government should encourage agriculture as a means of combating the scourge of climate change on the environment.In an address, Director, Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Aborisade, said Omu-Oke, Itapaji, Iye, Ijelu, Ipole, Iloro, Emure, Odo-Owa and Ado had hosted the community-based meeting in the past, with Ado-Ekiti hosting it twice.Fr. Aborisade said the objective of the meeting 'is to stimulate increased interaction between farmers from different communities in Ekiti Diocese,' adding that it was also meant 'to encourage exchange of ideas among farmers on best practices.'The cleric explained that organic farming was meant 'to provide food without contamination with chemicals in an environment that is friendly,' pointing out that various inputs like herbicides, artificial fertilizers, etc were harmful to human health.He said 'JDPI started organic agriculture 11 years ago with Ikole, Oye and Ilejemeje local government areas of the Diocese,' pointing out that the project had extended to 14 of the 16 local government areas of the state.In a paper, a consultant in rural development, Dr Florence Omodara, commended the organic farming initiative and called for the setting up of an advisory services by the state government to assist the organic farmers.The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adio Folayan, represented by a deputy director in the ministry, Mr. Peter Akintunde, said government had introduced mechanised farming and loans disbursed to peasant farmers in the state.
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