Govt connects farmers, consumers to support agriculture

The Lagos State Government said it had created a platform to connect farmers and consumers and boost agricultural produce in the state.

A statement on Tuesday said the maiden edition of the initiative, Eko City Farmers Market, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Sunday, February 23, 2020.

According to the statement, the platform afforded residents the opportunity to buy fresh farm produce “at farm gate prices, in a serene, clean, and beautifully arranged stalled environment.”

The government said no fewer than 142 farmers and 771 customers participated.

“Fishermen from coastal communities scattered across the state brought their catches. Different types of fresh and live fishes were displayed for sale. Cow meat sellers also slaughtered herds of cattle. In fact, analytics showed they made the highest sales.

“Of note were the cassava farmers, who sold unprocessed cassava, as well as produce of processed cassava, in their numbers.

“Also, fresh perishable fruits and vegetables like water melon, banana, spinach, green leaves, carrot, oranges, onion, green pepper, hot chili, tomatoes, all of the highest quality were put on display and sold at friendly prices to customers,” the statement said.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr Femi Hamzat, said the market would hold every last Sunday of the month.

He noted that in the next few weeks, the government would open an online market place to connect farmers and buyers in real-time.

“Buyers will be able to find any farmer of their choice and buy directly from them,” he added.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal, noted that aside from access linkage to market in the short term, the Eko City Farmers’ Market convergence would enable farmers to have access to modern farming technology.