Agriculture
THE Federal Government, Ogun Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD) have intensified efforts to transform agriculture through the SAPZ Programme, expected to impact over 100,000 farmers in Ogun.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo disclosed this on Thursday, during the flag-off and sensitisation programme for cassava and rice value chain actors in Yewa South Local Government Area, Ilaro.
According to him the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme will directly impact more than 100,000 farmers and also indirectly benefit over 500,000 people in Ogun.
Owotomo who was represented by Mr Ibrahim Busi, the acting state Project Coordinator of SAPZ, said the initiative, supported by the federal government, Ogun government and IFAD, was designed to empower smallholder farmers and improve livelihoods.
According to him, Ogun remains one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states due to its fertile land, abundant natural resources and strategic location.
“The SAPZ programme will strengthen agricultural value chains, increase productivity, create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to food security and economic growth,” he said.
The commissioner urged youths across the state to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme through registration and active participation.
He explained that the first phase of the programme would focus on cassava and rice production in nine local government areas, including Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Odogbolu, Ikenne and Obafemi-Owode.
Others are Odeda, Yewa North, Yewa South and Imeko-Afon, while additional councils would be incorporated in subsequent phases.
Earlier in his address, the project coordinator outlined the programme’s four key components, which included agro-industrial hub development, agricultural productivity and market linkages, policy support and programme management.
He emphasised the importance of farmer registration, stating that women and youths would benefit significantly from the programme’s interventions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Ogunsola, commended the governments and IFAD for the initiative.
Ogunsola said the programme would boost productivity and economic empowerment among farmers.
‘”The sensitisation exercise which is also held in Ikenne, Ijebu East and Odeda local government areas is expected to enhance value addition, create jobs and strengthen food security across Ogun,” he said. (NAN)
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Tags: Boost Cassava Ogun Farmers rice production SAPZ