The Ogun State Government in collaboration with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), has distributed 8,000 bags of fertiliser to smallholder farmers across the state to boost food production and strengthen food security.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this on Thursday at the flag off of fertiliser distribution to smallholder farmers held at the Agro Services Corporation, Asero, Abeokuta.
Owotomo, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr Adeleke Otegbeye, described the intervention as timely and beneficial to farmers across the state.
He said the initiative was in line with Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to supporting farmers, improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
According to him, smallholder farmers remain critical stakeholders in the state’s agricultural value chain and deserve continuous government support.
“Access to quality inputs such as fertilisers will increase yields, improve farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable agricultural growth,” he said.
Owotomo reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to a transparent and equitable distribution process to ensure the fertilisers reached genuine beneficiaries.
He urged farmers to utilise the fertilisers effectively to boost food production and contribute to food sufficiency in the state.
The commissioner disclosed that Ogun had received 15,160 bags of fertiliser and was expecting an additional 5,000 bags under the intervention programme.
According to him, the additional allocation will bring the total number of fertiliser bags received by the state to 20,160.
He noted that rising costs of farm inputs had posed significant challenges to farmers, adding that the intervention would help reduce production costs.
“Lower production costs will ultimately help reduce food prices in the market and improve affordability for consumers,” he said.
Also speaking, NADF Monitoring and Evaluation representative, Mr Oluwatosin Vaughan, said the programme formed part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Vaughan said 8,000 bags of fertiliser would be distributed across Ogun’s 20 local government areas to support farmers and boost food production.
“This exercise marks the official flag-off of the programme, and we are optimistic it will improve crop cultivation and strengthen food security,” he said.
The NADF official urged farmers to remain resilient, noting that farming required commitment, dedication and perseverance despite prevailing challenges.
The Chairman of Ajegunle Farm Settlers Council, Mr Rotimi Sogunle, on behalf of other beneficiaries, commended the federal and state governments for supporting farmers and strengthening food production in the state.
Sogunle described the intervention as a significant boost to agricultural production and food security, saying it would improve farmers’ profitability. (NAN)