In a significant economic boost for farmers in Ogun State, 200 local farmers, primarily youths and women, have reaped the rewards of their efforts, earning an impressive N1 billion from rice production in just three months.
The farmers, allocated land through the Ogun State Government’s rice revolution initiative, have been at the heart of the successful 200-hectare rice farm in Magboro, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
The project, part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and supported by the World Bank, has produced 1,400 metric tonnes of rice, equivalent to 20,000 bags of milled rice, within the first harvest. This remarkable achievement has provided a significant financial boost to the farmers and positioned them as key contributors to the state’s agricultural revolution.
The 200 first-time farmers involved in the project were each allocated one hectare of farmland, many of whom were first-time farmers. With technical support, modern agricultural techniques, and access to high-quality seeds provided by the state, these farmers achieved a high yield of seven metric tonnes per hectare. Their hard work translated into substantial income in just three months, with each project cycle earning approximately N1 billion.
The program empowers farmers, particularly women and youth, by giving them the tools and opportunities to thrive in agriculture. With three farming cycles completed by the end of the year, these farmers are projected to earn up to N3 billion collectively.
Following the success of the pilot 200-hectare project, the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, announced plans to expand the initiative to 2,000 hectares, with a long-term goal of reaching 5,000 hectares. This scale-up is expected to generate between N10 billion and N25 billion in revenue per quarter, further transforming the economic landscape for local farmers and boosting food security in the state.
Governor Abiodun emphasised the importance of this project in addressing hunger and poverty in Nigeria. “We have no business being hungry in Nigeria,” the governor stated. “With 12,500 hectares of land available, Ogun State is poised to become a major food supplier, not only for the state but for the entire country.”
The project’s success is a testament to Ogun State’s broader agricultural strategy, which aims to leverage the sector for economic development. By providing farmers with modern tools, advanced irrigation systems, and technical training at a discounted cost, the state is ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and profitable industry for its citizens. The OGSTEP intervention also focuses on increasing rice production and improving animal husbandry practices.
Beyond rice production, the project has created employment opportunities for residents and injected much-needed revenue into rural communities. It is part of a larger initiative to make Ogun State the “food basket” of Nigeria, driving economic growth and reducing reliance on imported food.
Farmers involved in the project, many of whom are from various parts of Nigeria, have praised the initiative for the opportunities it has created. “This project has changed my life,” said one farmer, highlighting how the state government’s support has provided them with the tools and knowledge to thrive.
To support these efforts, the government has committed to enhancing farm infrastructure, including installing solar-powered pumps for irrigation and using drones for pest control. These advancements aim to increase productivity and ensure sustainable farming practices.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, echoed the governor’s sentiments, noting that the project aligns with the state’s vision of food sufficiency and economic transformation. With more expansions planned, Ogun State is poised to become a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural future, driving innovation, empowerment, and prosperity for its people.
