The Ogun State Government has formally inaugurated the harvest of 80 hectares of cassava farming at Ifonyintedo in the Ipokia Local Government Area.

This program is a component of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), which aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods and increase agricultural output, according to a statement released by the Project Communications Officer, Simbo Olayinka, in the state capital of Abeokuta.

Speaking about the program, the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun,  revealed that its goal was to increase food security while giving farmers in the state more economic power.

“The farmland, cultivated by 80 farmers, received comprehensive support from the Ogun State Government. These farmers benefited from a 65% subsidy on land clearing and 50% discounts on cassava stems, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilisers,” he explained.

According to the governor, who was accompanied by the state commissioner Bolu Owotomo, each farmer should receive at least N2.4 million from the crop for agriculture and food security.

He emphasised that one of the barriers for farmers in Nigeria is access to markets, noting that the government had addressed this by linking all 80 farmers to reliable off-takers to prevent post-harvest losses.

“To ensure sustainability, we provided market access by connecting them to off-takers who will purchase the produce immediately. With this, the market is guaranteed,” he said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ogun State Government to transforming the agricultural sector, encouraging more farmers to participate in future programs, and underlining the importance of collaboration in achieving food sufficiency across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a farmer leader, Mr Abiodun Yusuph, expressed gratitude to the state government, highlighting the immense relief the support has brought to the farming community.

“For the first and second ploughing and other preparatory activities, the project covered 65% of the cost.

Similarly, the government subsidised 50% of the cost of fertilisers and other inputs, making it easier for us to farm and succeed,” he said.

Representative of the Agricultural Sector, Project Manager Dr. Ope Adejuwon, explained that the empowerment program targets active farmers.

“This initiative is tailored for genuine farmers. Only those actively engaged in farming are empowered under this scheme,” he said.

Source: The Guardian