By Abdullahi Lukman
The Ogun State Government says it has strengthened support for farmers through mechanisation, financial assistance, improved market access and climate-smart agricultural practices as part of efforts to enhance food production and ensure sustainable food security.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Angel Adelaja-Kuye, disclosed this on Friday in Abeokuta, noting that the interventions were designed to improve farmers’ productivity, resilience and livelihoods.
She said the state government had invested in several agricultural programmes and infrastructure projects over the past eight years to establish a more sustainable food system capable of addressing emerging challenges in the sector.
According to her, key initiatives include the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).
Adelaja-Kuye added that investments in rural roads, agricultural processing facilities, mechanisation and an agro-cargo airport were aimed at improving farmers’ access to markets and creating opportunities for both local and international trade.
She explained that the distribution of tractors and other mechanised equipment had improved farming operations, while processing facilities were enabling farmers to add value to their agricultural produce.
The special adviser also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen agricultural extension services by providing farmers with timely weather forecasts and encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques.
She said extension officers were using technology to disseminate weather information to farmers, helping them prepare for planting seasons and minimise potential crop losses.
“Farmers cannot wait on hopes and prayers; they must focus on informed decision-making through the use of weather information and forecasts,” she said.
She added that the state was collaborating with relevant federal agencies to improve access to reliable weather information and support better agricultural planning.
On risk management, Adelaja-Kuye said the government was promoting agricultural insurance to protect farmers against financial losses resulting from unforeseen events and adverse weather conditions.
She noted that the initiative would provide compensation to farmers whose investments were affected by such circumstances.
The special adviser further emphasised the importance of farmer education, saying the government was investing in training programmes to promote improved farming practices, reduce avoidable production costs and ultimately lower food prices.
She attributed the improved availability and affordability of some food commodities in the state to the adoption of better agricultural practices, adding that products such as tomatoes were increasingly available throughout the year.
Adelaja-Kuye said the government’s interventions were aimed at making agriculture more attractive, increasing food production and ensuring consistent food availability across Ogun State.
