FG, Ogun support 100 rice farmers for dry season farming

The Assisted-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Ogun Government, has distributed agro inputs to 100 rice farmers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inputs were distributed on Monday in Abeokuta ahead of the upcoming 2024 dry season farming.

The support was facilitated by the FGN/OGSG/IFAD-Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) in collaboration with the FAB AYOKA Agro Service Ltd.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, while speaking during the commencement of the dry season inputs distribution ceremony, explained the essence of the support.

He said the support was to increase rice production and food security in the state.

“The support will increase production of rice, being the staple food in the country, and it will also encourage local production of rice, especially during the dry season,” Owotomo said.

The Commissioner, who was represented by both the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Kehinde Jokotoye, and Mrs Omolola Ojelade, the Ministry’s Director of Fishery Services, stated the benefits.

He said the support would increase internally generated funds, from the product of rice and also improve the income capacity of local farmers.

The Commissioner added that it would also help to utilise the hidden potential of land available and suitable for rice production.

“The initiative symbolises our collective commitment to empowering our local communities which are engaging in agriculture, as well as fostering sustainable growth and ensuring food security.

“The magnanimous support of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, towards the IFAD/VCDP programme in our state has made it possible for us to enhance the livelihood of our farmers.

“This is with the aim of providing them with tools they need for successful and prosperous harvest.

“It is worthy of note to mention that the the state governor has supported in paying the counterpart fund of N71.5 million,” he said.

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation of the collaboration with the FGN-IFAD/VCDP, saying it has brought about a positive impact on the state.

This impact, he said, was in terms of innovation and progress in the state’s agricultural landscape.

Owotomo disclosed that the 2024 dry season rice production in the state would give support to 100 farmers for 100 hectares of rice plantation.

He added that each farmer was being supported with 50 kilogrammes of rice seed, four bags of NPK fertilizers, two bags of Urea and two litres of herbicides.

The Commissioner said the distribution would take place simultaneously for the next five days across the eight participating local government areas (LGAs) under VCDP in the state.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise and make judicious use of the inputs to enhance their productivity and better their livelihood.

Also speaking, the Acting State Programme Coordinator, VCDP, Mrs Temitope Ajisafe, noted that the support with agro inputs was to increase income and productivity.

“This will also as well boost food security among small-holder farmers, who engage in rice production,” she said.

Ajisafe commended the state government for ensuring the inputs distribution of 2024 dry season was done earlier.

“The good thing about it is that 100 hectares is being supported through the government and the help of IFAD to help the farmers.

“What we are giving them today is not free of charge, it’s on marching grant basis, the farmers are going to pay 50 per cent to the agro input dealer.

“The remaining 50 per cent will be paid by IFAD to the agro-input dealer.

“All these are being made possible because of the support of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, by releasing the counterpart funds at the right time and early enough for the state to be able to benefit from IFAD.”

She thereafter advised the beneficiaries not to sell the inputs given to them, adding that VCDP would follow up on monitoring the farmers on proper utilisation.

Ajisafe also urged them to make proper use of the input in order to boost food security in the state and as well increase the income and livelihood of their household.

Mr Matins Olasunkanmi Matins, the agro dealer, FAB AYOKA Agro Service Ltd., urged the beneficiaries to utilise the inputs for the intended purpose, advising them not to sell it.

He also urged them to put all what VCDP had trained them into practice for them to have an increased yield.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Oluwakemi Taiwo, commended the governments and IFAD-VCDP for their kind gesture in supporting rice farmers in the state.

“This support will help us very well because this is the first time the inputs are coming very early, and we promise we will make effective use of the inputs in our farms,” she said