The Lagos State Government has flagged off a Vegetable Farming Competition for public and private senior secondary schools across the state, as part of its broader initiative to promote agricultural education and food security among youths.
The competition, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to engage students in practical farming techniques, develop entrepreneurial skills, and instill a culture of self-reliance through sustainable agriculture.
According to officials, the project will not only expose students to innovative farming practices such as hydroponics and organic cultivation but will also serve as a platform to identify young talents in the agricultural sector. Participating schools will be judged on crop yield, innovation, sustainability practices, and teamwork.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, while speaking at the launch, noted that the competition aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda to empower the youth and enhance food systems across the state.
Winners of the competition will receive agricultural starter packs, scholarships, and school grants to further promote agricultural science in their respective institutions.
The initiative is expected to inspire a new generation of agriculturists and position Lagos as a hub for urban farming innovations.