The Oyo State Government plans to boost tomato production with Netherlands using greenhouse technology. To aim for higher yields and economic growth.
Dr. Debo Akande, Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA). Revealed this following a high-profile meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and a Dutch delegation.
The Dutch delegation was led by the Consular-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Michel Deelen.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the visit. Akande said the governor had already given a marching order on the effort to boost tomato production.
He said the efforts would see about 50 greenhouses producing tomatoes to complement what farmers are doing in the open fields.
Akande said the Netherlands delegation was ready to partner with Oyo state in the area of tomato production. According to him, the state has achieved great success in the agriculture value chain.
Akande added the state had carved a niche for itself in the area of cassava production. Stating that the visit by the Netherlands delegation would offer the state the opportunity of exploring tomato production on a large scale.
He stated that the partnership with the Dutch government was going to help the state accelerate tomato production. He said the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment and the right facility.
The Consular-General, Kingdom of The Netherlands, Deelen, said his team, which included about 15 Dutch companies was on a trade mission.
He said the team included seed companies and specialists in horticulture and greenhouse technology.
Also discussion on how they could work with the Oyo State Government to boost production of horticulture products was held.
