Kogi State commissioner for agriculture, Timothy Ojomah has reiterated the need to adopt mechanized agriculture to boost food security.
He stated this when his ministry appeared before the house committee on agriculture to defend its budget estimate at the assembly complex in Lokoja.
He said for the food security policy of the federal government to be achieved, it was paramount to adopt the small scale model of mechanized agriculture initiated by Thailand where hand tillers were used rather than the expensive tractors.
The commissioner, who emphasized that agriculture was time-bound, explained that the policy on farm inputs must be timely as the state government has approved the distribution of fertilizers and other inputs for dry season farming in the state.
The chairman of the house committee on agriculture, Hon. Bello Oluwaseyi Victor, who was represented by the vice chairman, Hon. Usman Ochidi emphasized the need to empower and support the ministry through appropriate legislation to ensure food security in the state.
He said the ministry has to be creative in ensuring farmers get what they need to produce enough food for consumption and possibly export to other countries.
