- Over 750 farmers from Lagos East Senatorial District received free tomato seeds and training from NIHORT and TOPAN.
- The initiative aims to boost large-scale tomato cultivation across the South-West within three months.
- Experts urged farmers to plant immediately and follow proper cultivation techniques to ensure productivity and sustainability.
In a strategic move to boost tomato production across the South-West region, the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), in collaboration with the Tomatoes & Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), has distributed free tomato seeds and conducted a one-day intensive training for farmers under the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
Ekohotblog gathers that the training, which took place at Anorak Farms, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division of Lagos State, brought together over 750 farmers from Lagos East Senatorial District. Participants included farmers from Epe, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikosi-Ejinrin, Somolu, Eti-Osa, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Lagos Island.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Epe Council Chairman Urges Massive Voter Turnout Ahead of July 12 Election
- ‘You Crossed the Line’ – Iran Slams U.S, Israel Over Nuclear Attacks, Seeks Urgent Talks with Russia
- Favour Ofili Reportedly Dumps Nigeria for Turkey Ahead of World Championships
Speaking during the event, Dr. AbdulRafiu Ayoola Monsuru, a horticulture expert from NIHORT, emphasized the urgency of planting the distributed seeds immediately.
“The government is committed to increasing the number of tomato farmers and improving productivity across the South-West. That’s why we’re providing not just seeds but also hands-on training.
We have a complete database of beneficiaries, and we’ll be monitoring their progress from nursery to harvest,” said Dr. Monsuru.
Each of the 750 beneficiaries received 50 grams of tomato seeds, enough to plant 15 plots organized into 50 clusters—signaling the start of a large-scale tomato cultivation project aimed at improving food availability in the region.
Mr. Oyeleke Bola, President of TOPAN, stated that the initiative is part of the broader South-West Tomato Farmers Project 2025, which has already impacted farmers in Oyo and Ogun states.
“We’re here in Lagos today, and tomorrow we move to Badagry. My advice to the beneficiaries is simple—don’t sell the seeds.
Plant them as instructed during today’s training. Let’s use this opportunity to transform tomato farming in our region,” Bola urged.
Reacting to the initiative, Engr. Owolabi Odulaja, Lagos State Coordinator for Tomatoes & Orchard Processing and AFAN Chairman for Epe Local Government, expressed gratitude and assured stakeholders of the farmers’ commitment.
“This program will ensure a massive increase in tomato supply across Lagos and the South-West within three months. On behalf of AFAN, we deeply appreciate NIHORT and TOPAN for their dedication. I can assure you—we won’t let you down,” Odulaja said.
FURTHER READING
- CWO Welcomes New Members, Children Receive Christ
- Senate Sets July 4–5 for Zonal Hearings on Constitution Review
- Tinubu Condemns Plateau Killings, Orders Swift Justice
Host of the event and CEO of Anorak Farms, Mrs. Kikelomo Oshodi-Glover, used the occasion to call on the government to scale up investment in agriculture.
“For farmers to be more productive, the government must provide access to land, equipment, and tools. This will go a long way in sustaining initiatives like today’s and encouraging more youth to embrace farming,” she appealed.
Watch Our Video Of The Week
