Ogun moves to boost agric production, begins inputs distribution

AS part of efforts to ensure bountiful food production for 2024 planting season, the Ogun State government has flagged-off distribution of high quality seeds, fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides and modern mechanisation services, targeting over 500 farmers from different clusters in Abeokuta Agricultural Zone.

Bolu, Owotomo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, who spoke at an event organised by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), in partnership with NAMDAM Integrated Services Limited and OKD Agro Services Limited, at Model Farm Estate, Owowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, said empowering farmers for sustainable agriculture was a pathway to stimulating economic growth.

Owotomo added that the distribution was aimed at empowering farmers with resources, knowledge and support, to enhance productivity, improve livelihood and ensure food security.

He explained that the State Government had recently supported over 20,000 farmers through OGSTEP Agric, with significant investments exceeding N600million, covering mechanisation services supply of fertilizer, seeds and stems, agro chemical and others, including day old chicks, fish feeds, poultry feeds, capacity building workshops, adding that off-takers’ linkages for expected yields was also facilitated with an estimated 107,000 tonnes of produce anticipated from last season’s production.

The Commissioner stressed that as the Government continues to strive towards agricultural advancement, private sector, civil society and farmers should recommit to the cause by working together to build a thriving sector, in terms of raw materials, food supply and employment generation.

Also, Samuel Adeogun, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, pointed out that the distribution of agric inputs to different clusters was to make food abundant for the people and give succour to farmers, hinting that it would be replicated in other geo-political zones of the State.

Adeogun admonished farmers to make effective use of the inputs, promising that issue of herdsmen destroying their farms would be checkmated.