By JKNMedia
THE productivity of 8,800 smallholder farmers across Ogun State’s 20 local government areas has been bolstered with the provision of free agricultural inputs, assets, and infrastructural support through the Ogun-Cares FADAMA initiative.
The comprehensive assistance aims to significantly enhance farming outputs and elevate the state’s agricultural sector.
Distributed items included 14,000-day-old chicks, 560 bags of chick feed, 209 bags of fish feed, 500 bags of fertilizer, 8 motorized sprayers, and 75 rechargeable knapsack sprayers.
In addition to these inputs, 24 roads have been rehabilitated, incorporating culverts, water drainage systems, and boreholes for water supply at four wet markets to improve hygiene and reduce food contamination risks.
During the presentation at the Ogun-Cares FADAMA premises in OGADEP, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo emphasized Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to alleviating the struggles of farmers exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Owotomo lauded the farmers for their perseverance in producing and processing food despite economic challenges, thus playing a crucial role in ensuring food security.
Owotomo urged farmers who have not yet benefited from the project to remain patient, as distributions are being conducted in phases. He encouraged the beneficiaries to collaborate with the FADAMA Team to maximize the benefits of the provided items.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Samuel Adeogun, highlighted that over 10,000 farmers had previously benefited from similar distributions, with positive reports on the improvements in their farming operations.
In a related development, the Ministry presented seven motorcycles to field officers in the Produce Department to enhance their operational efficiency and revenue generation, particularly in areas with difficult terrain.
At the presentation ceremony in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Hon. Owotomo reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting its workers by providing essential tools for effective performance.
He expressed confidence in the produce officers’ ability to boost revenue and productivity with the new motorcycles and promised that future distributions would address the needs of additional zones and officers.
Additionally, the state government has commissioned market stalls, lock-up shops, and solar-powered boreholes to strengthen the linkage and agro-processing capacity of farmers and their communities.
At the commissioning ceremony for the infrastructural support under the OGUN (IFAD ASSISTED VCDP-AF) in Imodi, Odogbolu, Atan, Ijebu North East, and Ijebu Imusin, Ijebu East local government areas, Hon. Owotomo underscored that these facilities represent more than physical structures—they symbolize a collective effort to empower farmers with essential tools and resources.
Owotomo stressed that access to clean water and adequate market facilities is fundamental for the success of the agricultural sector. He highlighted the administration’s significant strides in boosting food security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving the quality of life in rural communities.
These infrastructure improvements are expected to elevate community health and stimulate economic growth.
Achievements under the current administration’s interventions include empowering 3,000 farmers with farm inputs through the Ogun N-Cares initiative, fostering partnerships with institutions and agricultural investors to enhance food systems, and providing capacity building for 12,000 farmers on sustainable agriculture through the value chain development program, OGSTEP.
Additionally, stakeholders have received training, and cassava and rice farmers have been supplied with production inputs.
National Programme Coordinator, Hajia Fatimah Aliyu, represented by Human Resource Advisor Mallam Gidado Bello, emphasized that these intervention programs aim to improve the livelihoods and living standards of farmers through the construction of necessary facilities.
