The Oyo State Government is set to explore greenhouse technology as part of efforts to enhance tomato production in the state. This initiative was disclosed by the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser on Agribusiness to Governor 'Seyi Makinde, Dr. Debo Akande.
Dr. Akande made this announcement on Friday during a visit to Governor Makinde by a Dutch delegation led by the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr. Michel Deelen.
He revealed that Governor Makinde had issued a directive for the establishment of approximately 50 greenhouse facilities dedicated to tomato production, complementing the efforts of smallholder farmers operating in open fields.
According to Dr. Akande, the Netherlands delegation expressed strong interest in collaborating with Oyo State in tomato production, recognizing the state’s significant achievements in the agricultural value chain, particularly in cassava production.
He further noted that following Governor Makinde’s recent participation in the African Business Forum in Ethiopia, Oyo State is also looking to expand into soybean production. The visit by the Dutch delegation, he added, presents an opportunity to scale up tomato production on a commercial level.
"This could be one of the most transformative developments in our state’s agribusiness sector," Dr. Akande stated. "Oyo State is already excelling in cassava production, and we are now focusing on soybean, following key discussions at the African Business Forum. The next big step is horticulture, with an emphasis on tomato production."
He acknowledged past challenges in tomato supply, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when disruptions between the northern and southern regions led to shortages. Additionally, he highlighted seasonal price volatility, where tomatoes become excessively expensive at certain times of the year and overabundant at others.
"Our goal is to ensure year-round availability of tomatoes at stable and affordable prices," he emphasized. "The Netherlands and Israel are global leaders in tomato production, primarily through the use of greenhouse technology. The Dutch have successfully adapted greenhouses to their varying temperatures, and we have demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology through a private-sector-led initiative at the Oyo State Transformation Centre in Fasola."
Dr. Akande stressed that while greenhouse-grown tomatoes are already being supplied to local markets, production must be scaled up to meet the state’s demand. "This is why Governor Makinde has issued a clear directive. He wants to see at least 50 greenhouse facilities operational, supplementing the efforts of smallholder farmers."
He added that the Dutch government would provide technical support, while the Oyo State Government would ensure an enabling environment for the project to thrive.
Speaking earlier, the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Deelen, explained that the visiting delegation comprised representatives from 15 Dutch companies specializing in seed production, horticulture, and greenhouse technology.
"We are here to discuss government roles and explore collaboration opportunities with Oyo State to boost horticultural production," he stated. "There is significant demand for fresh produce in the Southwest, including Lagos, which lacks the landmass for large-scale farming. Oyo State, however, has the potential to become a major hub."
He added that the initiative would create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector while improving the quality of tomatoes and other produce available to consumers.
Similarly, the Agricultural Counsellor at the Consulate-General, Inge Tenniglo, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to working with Nigeria to enhance both the quantity and quality of tomato production.
Echoing this sentiment, Ima Meijer, Senior Manager for International and Economic Affairs, emphasized that the Dutch government strongly supports sustainable food production, with greenhouse technology being a key component of this vision.
This collaboration between Oyo State and the Netherlands marks a significant step toward modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security through innovative farming practices.
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