By George George Idowu
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has kicked off this year’s wet season farming by presenting over 100 tractors to 10,000 farmers across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The governor made presentation of the tractors to the farmers in Geregu, Ajaokuta, local government area. He said the importance of agricultural investment in eradicating poverty in the state can not be overemphasised.
He announced that 75 per cent of the farmland cleared for this season will be allocated to youth and women farmers noting that over 90% of Kogi’s land is arable and promised to elevate Kogi to a leading position in agricultural production towards t contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
His words: “Across the 21 local government areas, we are opening and preparing farmlands for crops such as rice, maize, cassava, yam, and other staples.
“We’ve also procured farm implements to advance full-scale agricultural mechanization, aligning with our food security agenda,” he stated.
He encouraged Kogi’s youth to view agriculture as a viable source of wealth and commended women farmers for their active participation.
He also urged wealthy Kogites, both at home and abroad, to explore the opportunities in the agro industry.
He disclosed that the state government has invested over 7 billion Naira in farm implements, including over 100 tractors, to cultivate 7,324 hectares of land for about 10,000 farmers this season.
Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting agricultural transformation initiatives, assuring that his administration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objectives to ensure food security nationwide.
In his contribution during the ceremony, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojoma, noted that the wet season farming across 79 farm clusters marks a significant step in the governor’s administration in terms of agricultural transformation agenda for Kogi State.
