In a ground-breaking move to boost tomato production and enhance agricultural innovation in Oyo State, the state government has entered into a partnership with the Netherlands to introduce greenhouse technology for large-scale tomato farming. This collaboration, set to transform the horticulture sector, was confirmed during a recent visit by a Dutch delegation led by Mr. Michel Deelen, the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria.
The announcement came on Friday, as Dr. Debo Akande, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser on Agribusiness to Governor Seyi Makinde, revealed the state’s plan to establish 50 greenhouses for tomato cultivation. This initiative, part of the state’s broader strategy to revitalize its agricultural sector, aims to reduce the seasonal volatility of tomato prices, address supply shortages, and provide a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by local farmers.
In his statement, Dr. Akande highlighted the importance of greenhouse technology in modern agriculture, particularly for tomato production. According to him, the state has been grappling with issues such as the unpredictable nature of tomato pricing and supply chain disruptions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when a gap in supply between the South and North of Nigeria became evident. Akande stated that the introduction of greenhouse farming will help stabilize the production of tomatoes throughout the year, ensuring steady availability and reasonable prices.
“The volatility in the pricing of tomatoes, especially during certain seasons, where the prices skyrocket due to shortages, should not be happening. We want to ensure that tomatoes are available all year round at a fair price,” said Akande. He highlighted that greenhouse technology, which has been successfully implemented in other countries like Israel and the Netherlands, would enable Oyo State to overcome these challenges.
Dr. Akande also pointed out the state’s progress in other agricultural sectors. For example, Oyo State has made significant strides in cassava production, and following Governor Makinde’s recent participation in the African Business Forum in Ethiopia, the state is now focusing on expanding its soya bean production. The introduction of greenhouse technology for tomato farming is the next step in Oyo State’s agricultural diversification strategy.
The collaboration between Oyo State and the Netherlands will see the establishment of about 50 greenhouses, which will complement the efforts of smallholder farmers who currently cultivate tomatoes in open fields. Greenhouse farming will allow for controlled environmental conditions, leading to higher yields, improved quality, and consistent production throughout the year.
“The Dutch have mastered the use of greenhouse technology, which they have implemented despite their cold and fluctuating climate. In Oyo State, where the climate is relatively stable, we believe the potential for success is immense,” Akande explained. He also highlighted the demonstration of greenhouse farming in Oyo State through a private sector company at the Oyo State Transformation Centre at Fasola, where the use of greenhouses has already yielded positive results.
The partnership aims to create an enabling environment for the large-scale production of tomatoes, with the Dutch government offering its support in terms of technology, expertise, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Oyo State government will focus on providing the necessary facilities and a favorable policy framework for the initiative to thrive.
The Dutch delegation, led by Mr. Michel Deelen, arrived in Oyo State as part of a trade mission, with over 15 Dutch companies specializing in seeds, horticulture, and greenhouse technology. The delegation’s visit underscores the Netherlands’ commitment to assisting Nigeria in boosting its agricultural output through sustainable practices.
Mr. Deelen explained that the collaboration between the Dutch government and Oyo State is aimed at exploring ways to increase horticultural production and improve food security in Nigeria, particularly in the South-West region. “We believe there is great potential in Oyo State to meet the growing demand for horticultural products, not only in Ibadan or Lagos but across the entire South-West,” Deelen said.
The Consul-General also emphasized the importance of job creation as a key benefit of the partnership. “This collaboration will create employment opportunities for people in the region, whether they are interested in the horticultural sector or seeking jobs in related fields,” Deelen stated.
The agricultural counsellor at the Dutch Consulate-General, Inge Tenniglo, reinforced the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainable agriculture. According to Tenniglo, the Dutch government is keen on promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices, with greenhouse technology being a crucial element of this strategy. Greenhouses offer several advantages, including water conservation, reduced pesticide use, and enhanced crop productivity, which aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable food production.
Senior Manager for International and Economic Affairs, Ima Meijer, also underscored the importance of greenhouse technology in ensuring food security. She highlighted that the technology would not only increase the quantity of tomatoes produced but also improve the overall quality of produce available to consumers.
“The partnership with Oyo State is a step toward enhancing food production and creating a robust, sustainable agricultural system that can meet the needs of the growing population,” Meijer stated.
Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed strong support for the greenhouse initiative, providing a clear mandate for its implementation. According to Dr. Akande, the governor is eager to see Oyo State become a hub for sustainable agriculture and a model for other states in Nigeria.
“The governor is committed to ensuring that this project becomes a success,” Akande noted. “With the Netherlands’ expertise and Oyo State’s determination, we believe this partnership will have a lasting impact on our agricultural sector.”
As the partnership between Oyo State and the Netherlands progresses, both parties hope to see significant improvements in tomato production, as well as the creation of new job opportunities and enhanced economic growth in the state. The state government has already laid the groundwork for this initiative, and the next step will be to implement the plan to establish 50 greenhouses, which will be integral to Oyo’s agricultural transformation.
