The Lagos State government has trained over 300 women, youths, and extension officers on the production and processing of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. The training, organized by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) in collaboration with the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN), was held at the LSADA training hall in Oko-Oba, Agege.
Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, represented by Omodunbi Oluwatoyin, highlighted the state’s commitment to food security, a key pillar of its THEMES Agenda. She stressed that empowering women and youths, who make up over 60% of Lagos’ population, is crucial for fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
The initiative aimed to popularize the cultivation and use of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, a crop praised for its nutritional and economic value. Participants were trained to process the crop into various products, including flour, garri, chin-chin, and cakes, emphasizing its potential to boost health and income.
Justina Balogun, Head of Women in Agriculture and Nutrition, described the crop as easy to grow, requiring minimal agronomic input. She explained that participants could cultivate it in small spaces, such as sacks in home gardens. Starter vines were distributed to encourage immediate adoption and cultivation.
Acting LSADA Programme Manager, Alade Adewale, called on participants to explore opportunities in orange-fleshed sweet potato farming, processing, and marketing. He noted its potential for local consumption and export, urging farmers to leverage its versatility and profitability.
Sakidu Bukola, Head of LSADA’s Crop Development sub-component, introduced the crop’s agronomy, highlighting its high yield, nutrient density, and adaptability. He described it as an early-maturing variety that could address both nutritional needs and economic challenges, reinforcing the state’s commitment to agricultural empowerment.
