The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has generated an estimated ₦9.17 billion in revenue for fish farmers across the state, highlighting the growing impact of targeted agricultural support on food security and rural livelihoods.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this during an inspection of OGSTEP-funded aquaculture projects in Eriwe, Ijebu, inan ongoing statewide assessment of agricultural clusters and farm settlements.
Owotomo said the revenue growth was driven by sustained government investments in feed subsidies, infrastructure development and capacity building, noting that 4,256 aquaculture farmers have benefited from the programme.
The intervention was designed to boost fish production, lower production costs and improve farmers’ incomes.
According to the commissioner, the state government supplied 195,436 bags of fish feed at a 30 per cent subsidy, representing a direct investment of ₦2.74 billion to cushion the effects of rising input costs.
This support, he said, has resulted in an estimated production of 4,256 metric tonnes of fish, reducing reliance on imported fish and strengthening local food supply.
Beyond aquaculture, Owotomo said the programme has also supported the poultry subsector, with 1,272 broiler farmers receiving subsidised feed and production support.
A total of 77,703 bags of broiler feed were distributed, while some farmers were supported to raise 500 birds each and linked to off-takers to minimise post-harvest losses.
During the inspection, the commissioner visited the Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction Fish Farm Cluster, which hosts about 600 fish farmers and has a modern processing facility. The facility includes a solar-powered blast freezer, cold rooms, smoking kilns, chest freezers and rehabilitated processing and market structures.
Similar infrastructure, he said, is being deployed across other clusters in Ikangba, Ikenne, Ibiade, Ado-Odo and Ilashe, as part of a statewide effort to reduce post-harvest losses, promote value addition and stabilise prices across the aquaculture value chain.
“This is a clear demonstration that when government support is well targeted, agriculture becomes profitable for farmers and beneficial to the economy,” Owotomo said.
Stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Angel Adelaja, and representatives of farmers’ associations, commended the initiative, saying it would curb distress sales, expand production and strengthen local economic development, while reinforcing Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth in Ogun State.
Source: This Day Live
Image Credit: NewsContinental
