Abeokuta, April 13, 2025 – Ogun State Government has officially flagged cassava harvest on 80 hectares of farmland at Ifonyintedo in Ipokia Local Government Area.
The initiative is part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) to boost agricultural production in the state and improve livelihood of farmers.
Simbo Olayinka, the Project Communications Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Dapo Abiodun, the State Governor, who spoke on the initiative, said the intervention was designed to enhance food security and economically empower farmers in 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,
“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.
Abiodun said the government had identified access to markets as one of the barriers facing farmers and had addressed this by linking all 80 farmers to reliable off-takers to prevent post-harvest losses.
The governor, who was represented by Bolu Owotomo, the state Commissioner for agriculture and Food Security, said that each farmer is projected to earn at least N2.4 million from the harvest.
He 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.
Abiodun Yusuph, one of the farmers, said the gesture had brought immense relief to the farmers and expressed gratitude to the state government.
“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.
