The Ogun State Government has officially flagged off the harvest of 80 hectares of cassava farmland at Ifonyintedo in Ipokia Local Government Area.

In a statement made available by the Project Communications Officer, Simbo Olayinka, in Abeokuta the state capital, she stated that the initiative is part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Speaking on the initiative, the Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, disclosed that the intervention was designed to enhance food security while economically empowering farmers across the state.

“The farmland, cultivated by 80 farmers, received comprehensive support from the Ogun State Government. These farmers benefited from a 65% subsidy on land clearing, and 50% discounts on cassava stems, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers,” he explained.

The governor, who was represented by the state commissioner for agriculture and food security, Bolu Owotomo explained that each farmer is projected to earn at least N2.4 million from the harvest.

He emphasised that one of the barriers for farmers in Nigeria is access to markets, noting that the government had addressed this by linking all 80 farmers to reliable off-takers to prevent post-harvest losses.

“To ensure sustainability, we provided market access by connecting them to off-takers who will purchase the produce immediately. With this, the market is guaranteed,” he said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ogun State Government to transforming the agricultural sector, encouraging more farmers to participate in future programs, and underlining the importance of collaboration in achieving food sufficiency across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a farmer leader, Mr. Abiodun Yusuph, expressed gratitude to the state government, highlighting the immense relief the support has brought to the farming community.

“For the first and second ploughing and other preparatory activities, the project covered 65% of the cost.

Similarly, the government subsidized 50% of the cost of fertilizers and other inputs, making it easier for us to farm and succeed,” he said.

Representative of the Agricultural Sector, Project Manager, Dr. Ope Adejuwon, explained that the empowerment program strictly targets active farmers.

“This initiative is tailored for genuine farmers. Only those actively engaged in farming are empowered under this scheme,” he said.