The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday inaugurated the harvest of 200 hectares of rice farmland at the Magboro Rice Farm, located in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
The farm is part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, supported by the World Bank, and is aimed at accelerating economic growth and development within the state.
During the event, Governor Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s entry into local rice production alongside states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa.
He emphasized the farm’s role in promoting economic development, job creation, and improving livelihoods within the community.
“This 200-hectare farm primarily involves women and youth from across the country, not just Ogun State,” Abiodun stated.
The project, which began in April with planting starting in May, has achieved a three-month harvest cycle. With a yield of seven metric tons per hectare, the farm is expected to produce 1,400 metric tons of milled rice per cycle, equating to about 20,000 bags of rice with an efficiency yield of 70 percent.
Governor Abiodun estimated the revenue from these 20,000 bags at around ₦1 billion per cycle, meaning the farmers could potentially generate ₦3 billion annually from three harvests.
Governor Abiodun announced plans to expand the farm from 200 to 2,000 hectares, with the potential to generate ₦30 billion in revenue, positioning Ogun State as a major food producer in Nigeria.
He emphasized that this project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of eradicating poverty and hunger by making food more affordable for Nigerians.
The initiative also addresses animal husbandry and underscores agriculture’s role in providing employment and raw materials for the state’s industries.
The governor also promised to equip the farm with solar pumps to power boreholes and modern drones for efficient pest control. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, stated that the project aligns with the state’s agricultural policy to ensure food sufficiency.
Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, commended the farmers for their dedication and noted the project’s significance in boosting local food production.
Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi, praised the initiative for its potential to impact citizens positively across various sectors.
Furthermore, the Olu of Magboro, Oba Modiu Alalade, expressed gratitude for the project’s impact on the local communities, noting that there is ample farmland available to further increase food production in the area.