The Chairman of Committee on Resolution of Crisis Between farmers and herdsmen in Osun, Hon. Mudashir Toogun, has said his committee had handled and settled over 5,000 cases involving farmers and Fulani cattle rearers across the state in the last three years.
He disclosed this at a farmers meeting in Onilapa farm, Olaoluwa Local Government Area of the state, where some rice farmers met, and rice farms inspected.
Toogun noted that the incessant clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers became the most threatening crisis after Boko Haram insurgency in all the federating units.
He commended the governor for setting up a committee to interface with these two groups and ensured sustainable peace, making farming more easier and profitable in the state.
He explained that the pro-activeness of the governor in setting up the committee prior to the outbreak of the farmer-herdsmen crisis in the state helped in no small way to forestall any crisis and ensure that both farmers and herdsmen live harmoniously without blemish.
“We are able to be on top of the situation in the state because of the pro-activeness of government in providing a platform for all actors to meet and dialogue among themselves.
“This has helped us a great deal and with this intercession, we have settled not less than 5,000 cases between 2014 and now.
“This is why Osun State is the most peaceful today when you think of farmers-herdsmen crises ravaging the country,” Toogun said.
However, rice farming and livestock expert, Mr. Olafare Richard has identified the potentials of Osun in rice production, saying that with available resources and necessary equipment, coupled with enabling environment, Osun can produce enough rice for South-West consumption.
He revealed that Osun State has about 60 percent of the most productive rice seedlings that can be found in the whole country, lamenting that the best of the opportunities of this seed have not been realised.
He called on the government to further support rice farmers so as to improve their productivity.
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