The Ogun State Government has unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at boosting food production, strengthening food security and supporting farmers across the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, has said.
Owotomo disclosed this in a statement to newsmen on Thursday, noting that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is rolling out strategic programmes designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, key initiatives being implemented include the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, the Ogun COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (OGCARES), the Value Chain Development Programme and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.
He explained that the programmes are targeted at addressing critical challenges in the agricultural sector, such as low mechanisation, inadequate processing facilities and limited access to modern farming inputs.
“As part of efforts to promote farm mechanisation, the state government has procured 40 tractors, 10 bulldozers and harvesters to ease land preparation and harvesting processes for farmers,” Owotomo said.
The commissioner added that solar-powered and petrol-powered pumping machines have also been distributed to farmers to support dry-season farming and ensure year-round agricultural production.
He said the interventions were designed to enhance productivity across various agricultural value chains, create jobs for youths and women, and position Ogun State as a major food basket in the country.
Owotomo reaffirmed the commitment of the Abiodun administration to sustainable agriculture, stressing that the government would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to modernise the sector and ensure food sufficiency for the growing population.
He urged farmers in the state to take full advantage of the programmes and facilities provided, assuring them of continued government support to improve agricultural output and food availability.
