Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, officially launched the harvest of 200 hectares of rice farmland at Magboro Rice Farm in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area on Monday.
This initiative, part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project supported by the World Bank, aims to boost economic growth and development within the state.
During the event, Abiodun highlighted that Ogun is now joining states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa in producing locally grown rice.
He emphasized the project’s role in fostering economic development, job creation, and improving community livelihoods.
“This 200-hectare rice farm involves farmers who are predominantly women and youths from across Nigeria, not just Ogun State,” Abiodun said. “Each farmer has been allocated one hectare, totaling 200 farmers in this cluster.
The project, which began in April with planting in May, has now reached harvest in just three months, allowing for potentially three cycles a year.”
The governor explained that with an expected yield of seven metric tons per hectare, the farm could produce 1,400 metric tons of milled rice from 200 hectares.
This translates to approximately 20,000 bags of rice per cycle, valued at about N1 billion.
He further noted that if the farmers repeat this process three times a year, they could generate N3 billion in revenue, stressing that Nigeria has the potential to overcome hunger through such initiatives.
Abiodun revealed plans to expand the project from 200 to 2,000 hectares, potentially generating N30 billion in revenue and advancing Ogun State’s goal of becoming the nation’s food basket.
He also mentioned that the expansion aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to eradicating poverty and hunger through affordable food production.
The governor outlined that the project would not only increase rice production but also enhance animal husbandry, leveraging Ogun State’s manpower and natural resources.
He assured that the farm would be equipped with solar pumps and modern drones for efficient pest control.
Agriculture and Food Security Commissioner Bolu Owotomo praised the project for supporting the state’s agricultural policy of achieving food sufficiency. Finance Commissioner Dapo Okubadejo commended the farmers for their dedication, noting the project’s significance in local food production.
Project Coordinator Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and emphasized the project’s potential to positively impact citizens’ lives.
In his goodwill message, the Olu of Magboro, Oba Modiu Alalade, acknowledged the project’s benefits to the local community and the availability of additional farmland for future expansion.
