By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government has announced a N500 million subsidy initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on local farmers.
The Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme will provide a 25 percent discount on poultry and fish feed to farmers, a move designed to bolster food production and address rising inflation in the state.
The program, which is set to launch on February 5, 2025, was unveiled by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, during a news conference on Wednesday.
The subsidy will be distributed weekly throughout a month long pilot phase, with a focus on supporting poultry and aquaculture sectors that have been struggling with high production costs.
Olusanya highlighted that animal feed, which accounts for over 70 percent of production costs, has been a significant challenge for farmers, contributing to reduced output and, in some cases, farm closures.
“We are pleased to introduce this first-of-its-kind initiative to sustain agricultural production and ensure a steady supply of poultry and fish products in Lagos markets,” Olusanya stated.
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To ensure transparency, the subsidy will be coordinated through registered farmer associations, with pre ordering and payments processed in advance.
Feed will then be delivered to designated market locations for verification and distribution. Subsidized feed will be available every Wednesday from February 5 to February 26, 2025.
The state government has designated key locations across Lagos for the program, including Erikorodo Poultry Estate in Ikorodu, Agricultural Training Institute in Araga, Epe, and Fish Farm Estate in Odongunyan, Ikorodu, among others.
Only registered members of farm clusters or associations will qualify for the subsidy.
In collaboration with reputable feed millers and farmer associations, the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems aims to ensure the program’s success.
Olusanya emphasized that the subsidy would have a direct, sustainable impact on food production in Lagos, ensuring affordability and stability in the poultry and fish markets.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of farmers, reduce food costs, and improve access to affordable protein sources for residents across Lagos.
