Ogun State government, in partnership with the Federal Government, under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP), has commenced the distribution of inputs to 2,400 farmers across the state, as part of its proactive measures aimed at producing enough for local consumption and export.
The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the flag-off ceremony of inputs redemption under the Scheme, at Dapo Abiodun Viewing Centre, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state, said the initiative was towards attaining self-sufficiency in food production.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, who was also represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, said government would not relent at supporting farmers, to further boost food production.
Abiodun stressed the importance of traditional farmers cannot be overemphasised, as they constitute 90 percent of food production in the country, imploring them to be more committed to food production, towards ensuring food security.
He urged them to take advantage of the scheme by making maximal use of the inputs to better their production, informing that a strict monitoring and oversight system had been put in place at redemption centres to ensure proper usage of the inputs and achieve the objective of food security in the country.
“Let us make good use of this opportunity, so that the success of this phase will make farmers benefit more from the state and federal governments of Nigeria”, he said.
Earlier, State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ayo-Ajayi, appreciated the present administration for partnering with the federal government for the initiative, adding that the programme was to support farmers at the grassroots level in cassava, rice and maize with inputs such as, seeds, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, to boost their production and enhance their livelihood.
Dr. Ayo-Ajayi explained further that government would support each rice farmer with inputs worth N212,000; cassava farmers N189, 000, while N186,500 worth of inputs would be given to maize farmers, pointing out that government would pay 75 percent, while 25 percent would be paid by the farmers, to further address food challenges in the country.
Also speaking, state focal person, Mr. Olufemi Akiniyi, described the initiative of the federal government as apt, enjoining beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs distributed for the purpose it was meant for, to avail them better opportunities.
Responding on behalf of other farmers, Chairman, Ogoloko Ayiwere Rice Farmers Association, Mr. Ismaila Akerele and Secretary, Agbelere Isiun Maize Farmers, Mr. Yusuf Ashimiu, commended both the federal and state governments for the support enjoyed by farmers at all times, promising to judiciously use the inputs to attain food sufficiency in the nation.
