By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
OGUN STATE is addressing food security by aiming to produce enough food for local consumption and export.
Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted the state’s commitment to both wet and dry season farming during the inauguration of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – AGRO POCKET.
The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun emphasized the administration’s focus on agriculture due to its potential for revenue and job creation, food security, and poverty reduction.
He noted, “Our goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and eventually produce surplus for other states and export.”
The governor also mentioned the state’s efforts to secure funding through partnerships with the federal government and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
These funds aim to enhance agricultural production in both wet and dry seasons.
He highlighted a successful pilot scheme in 15 states in 2023, which saw a significant increase in wheat yield.
“In 2023-2024, 277,000 hectares of wheat were planted in Nigeria, a 139 percent increase over the previous year,” Abiodun stated, attributing this success to the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and support from the AfDB.
Governor Abiodun announced that the state will support cassava, maize, and rice farming with 2,400 smallholder farmers working on 1,200 hectares of land.
The farmers will cover 25 percent of the input costs, with the federal government subsidizing the remaining 75 percent during the 2024 wet season.
The governor urged the committee members to manage the programme effectively, ensuring integrity and dedication in their duties.
He also mentioned that similar committees would be established at the local government level, involving various stakeholders.
Abiodun’s administration has attracted agricultural investors, exemplified by the Soilless Farm Laboratory in Ewekoro Local Government Area.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Sen. Abubakar Kyari for their support, noting that their initiatives will help address the country’s food challenges.
Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota, praised the federal government’s initiative and the governor’s leadership in driving agricultural progress.
He expressed commitment to ensuring the programme’s success in Ogun State.
