The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, disclosed that the state government has allocated ₦498 million to assist smallholder farmers through the provision of farm inputs, assets, and infrastructural support under the OGUN-CARES FADAMA project.
This project is aimed at preparing farmers for the upcoming planting season and promoting dry-season farming.
Owotomo made this announcement during the flag-off of the farm inputs distribution at Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, marking the beginning of the season’s agricultural activities.
He revealed that a total of 8,755 farmers will benefit from the program, receiving a range of agricultural inputs including 1,000 bags of NPK fertilisers, 2,000 litres of herbicides, 2,000 litres of liquid fertilisers, 50 cassava processing equipment, and 100 irrigation pumps.
In addition to these, livestock farmers will be provided with 10,000 day-old chicks, 1,000 bags of chick starter mash, 45,000 juvenile fish, 500 bags of fish crumble feed, 500 pig weaners, and 500 goat growers.
The distribution is part of a broader initiative to support farmers in the state, addressing key challenges and boosting agricultural productivity.
Owotomo also emphasized the ongoing improvements in rural infrastructure, noting that five wet markets are currently being renovated to improve sanitation. This includes the provision of clean water and the improvement of toilet facilities.
Furthermore, five rural roads are being rehabilitated to ease the transportation of farm produce to markets, thus improving the logistics of agricultural business in the region.
“These efforts are to support our farmers across the 20 local government areas of the state,” Owotomo said.
“The Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration is deeply committed to boosting farming activities, preparing farmers for the planting season, and promoting dry-season farming initiatives.
“The support provided through OGUN-CARES will address challenges faced by farmers and contribute to the growth of agricultural productivity in Ogun State.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Kehinde Jokooye, also spoke during the event, encouraging beneficiaries to fully utilize the resources provided.
She urged them to engage the younger generation in farming, thereby ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices in the state.
The Project Manager of OGUN-CARES, Oluwafemi Odubiyi, extended congratulations to the beneficiaries and noted that the timing of the distribution was deliberate, aiming to equip farmers with the necessary tools and inputs for the planting season.
He reassured them that irrigation water would be available throughout the year to support farming activities.
Two beneficiaries, Oluwatoyin Oni from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area and Tunrayo Fayomi from Yewa North Local Government, expressed their appreciation to the state government.
They pledged to make optimal use of the inputs and assets provided to enhance their farming operations.