The consolidated partnership between the Osun state government and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA is targeted towards ensuring improved culture of farming and development of agribusinesses in the state.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola and some officials of the IITA stated this at a Farmers Open Day and the official opening of operations of the IITA training station in Ago-Owu in Osun state.
The government signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding with the institute to strengthen the existing partnership between them, with the main objective of improving value addition on farm produce and agro businesses.
Speaking on behalf the Director General, IITA Ntenaya Sadinga, the Deputy Director, West Africa, Michael Abaton expressed confidence that the training camp will be of immense benefit to farmers and the state at large.
Farmers in attendance were given orientation on innovations and technology in agriculture which include how to improve agro business, preservation of farm produce and other uses of cassava.
Subject to further expansion, the government has allocated 205 hectares of land to IITA for the project.
