The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Lagos State, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, has hinted that proof of agricultural insurance may be a prerequisite to accessing government support in the future, urging farmers across the state to utilise agricultural insurance as a vital risk management tool to ensure the sustainability of their farming.
Olusanya gave the hint at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority for selected farmers under the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS), at the Fresh Food Produce Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
Represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Mrs. Aramide Ganzalo, the Commissioner noted that the training theme, “Strengthening Farming Communities Through Financial Management, Loan Repayment, and Agricultural Insurance: Transitioning from Simple to Mechanised Farming,” aptly reflects the state’s commitment to empowering farmers with tools for productivity, resilience, and business growth.
Olusanya added, “Agricultural insurance is designed for the benefit of farmers. Over the years, many have experienced significant losses, and the government had to step in with compensation, instead of relying solely on government aid, insurance allows farmers to recuperate through insurance providers. We insure our cars, not because we expect accidents, but as a safeguard; farming should be treated the same way.”
She further hinted that in the future, proof of agricultural insurance may become a prerequisite for accessing government support, adding “While it’s not mandatory yet, we are strongly encouraging farmers to embrace this safety net. It’s better to be insured and secure than to be vulnerable in the face of unforeseen events”.
In her welcome address, LSADA’s Coordinating Director, Mrs. Aderonke Toju-Tubi emphasised the agency’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural value chain and supporting farmers across Lagos, stating, “This training is focused on building the capacity of our farmers, enhancing financial literacy, and encouraging sustainable practices through mechanisation. Educating farmers on financial management, timely loan repayment, and agricultural insurance will not only sustain credit schemes but also build trust between farmers and financial institutions. These are key pillars for a resilient agricultural financing ecosystem.”
Also, speaking at the event, the NPFS Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mrs. Oluwatosin Ganzalo addressed the ongoing challenges farmers face in accessing credit facilities from commercial banks, noting that the state government now channels funds directly to farmer clusters under various enterprises.
