The Ogun State government has launched an extensive initiative to support over 30,000 farmers by organizing them into clusters, providing subsidized agricultural inputs, and offering continuous training on best farming practices.
This effort aims to significantly boost the production of key crops such as rice, maize, and cassava.
During a visit to the Alubarika 200-hectare rice farm cluster in Magboro, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, emphasized the government’s commitment to food security.
He highlighted the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System, which, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has currently registered 60,000 farmers, with plans to enroll an additional 100,000 by the end of the year.
Owotomo expressed optimism about the anticipated yield of 1,400 tonnes of rice from the Alubarika farm, aligning with the broader Ogun State Economic Transformation Project aimed at enhancing agricultural production and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, and OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odunsi, both urged farmers to take full advantage of the government’s interventions.
Meanwhile, Cluster Secretary Mr. Salam Adelowo appreciated the support but called for improved social amenities in farming areas to enhance the quality of life for farmers.
