The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, announced on Monday that the state government has invested N498 million to support smallholder farmers with essential inputs, equipment, and infrastructure under the OGUN-CARES FADAMA project.
Owotomo revealed that a total of 8,755 farmers would receive various agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, herbicides, irrigation pumps, and cassava processing equipment, among others.
He made this announcement during the launch of the distribution of farm inputs for the upcoming planting season and to promote dry-season farming at Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, on Monday.
The Commissioner explained, “A total of 8,755 farmers involved in various enterprises will be provided with 1,000 bags of NPK fertiliser, 2,000 litres of herbicides, 2,000 litres of liquid fertilisers, 50 cassava processing machines, and 100 irrigation pumps.”
He added, “Livestock farmers will also receive 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.”
Owotomo further disclosed that ongoing efforts to improve hygiene and ensure safe food production include the rehabilitation of toilets and the provision of potable water at five wet markets. Additionally, the rehabilitation of five rural roads is underway to facilitate the transportation of farm produce to markets.
“This initiative is aimed at supporting farmers across the 20 local government areas of the state and demonstrates the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to enhance farming activities, prepare farmers for the planting season, and promote dry-season farming,” Owotomo remarked.
He expressed that the support provided through the OGUN-CARES programme would help address key challenges faced by farmers and boost agricultural productivity.
Kehinde Jokooye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, delivered a keynote address urging beneficiaries to make optimal use of the inputs and assets provided. She also encouraged them to introduce their children to farming businesses.
In his welcome address, the Project Manager, Oluwafemi Odubiyi, congratulated the recipients and explained that the distribution of inputs was timed to equip farmers for the planting season. He also assured them that water for irrigation would be available year-round.
Beneficiaries, such as Oluwatoyin Oni from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area and Tunrayo Fayomi from Yewa North Local Government, expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and vowed to make effective use of the items provided.