A total of 450 farmers, aggregated under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), have so far cultivated at least 450 hectares of rice and cassava farms in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area this year, as part of strategic moves to further address food crisis and consolidate on the ongoing massive production in the state
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this while witnessing the harvesting of a 72-hectares Ofada Rice Farm Cluster in Ogboloko Ayiwere and inspection of 180-hectares Isokan Lagba Cassava Cluster in the local government.
Hon. Owotomo reiterated that OGSTEP aims were to promote agricultural development, improve food security, and enhance farmers' livelihoods, commending the farmers for their efforts at making the project impactful on the state's agricultural sector.
He assured residents of the present government’s commitment to improving food production and providing adequate raw materials for agro-based industries.
Also speaking, Project Manager, (OGSTEP AGRIC), Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire, noted that the initiative was one of several interventions designed to improve farmers' livelihoods and boost their produce.
On his part, OGSTEP Value Chain Development Partner, Ikenne Zone, Mr. Ibikunle Onasanya, said the 72-hectares of rice farm with expected yields of 2.5-3 tonnes of rice per hectare, demonstrated government's determination to improve food production in the state.
Representatives of the farm clusters, Mr. Ismail Akerele and Mr. Akeem Bashorun, expressed gratitude to the Dapo Abiodun-led administration for inputs, mechanisation and advisory services.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier in the month joined other farmers in harvesting rice in over 100 hectares of land in Magboro area of the same Local Government Area of the State
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