The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated 50 hectares of farmland to Lagos state Government in Kuje, to support food production in the country.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, disclosed this on yesterday at a news conference organised to mark the first anniversary of Gov. Babatunde Fashola`s second term in office.
``The Federal Government has allocated some land to us and we will soon begin the cultivation of crops on the land to boost food supply to the state and tackle the problem of overwhelming demand.''
He said that the Federal Government had also supported the state in the areas of rice processing and fish production under its Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
``The Federal Government, under ATA, also supported us in the establishment of an ultra-modern agro-processing centre at Noforija, Epe which has just been completed.
``Also, the construction of a Farmers` Wholesale Market with 100 shops, cold storage facility, mini-abattoir and ample space for parking has commenced in Poka, under the Federal Government programme.
``The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Government on all programmes that would provide food to its citizens at affordable prices.''
The commissioner further disclosed that the state had acquired some agricultural land in Osun State for the cultivation of economic crops as a strategy to enhance food supply in the state.
He said the state decided to acquire the land because of the shortage of arable land in Lagos, adding the suitability of Osun for the cultivation of certain types of crops also informed the acquisition.
``In due course, we will be acquiring land in other states to expand our access to farm land and significanatly increase food supply.''
Lawal said that the government had completed a modern abattoir in Achakpo, Ajeromi-Ifelodun area of the state to enhance meat storage and processing.
The commissioner said that work was ongoing to improve the condition of facilities at Agege abattoir. (NAN)
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