By Rotimi Odofin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has officially launched the wet season farming initiative with a significant investment of over 7 billion naira in farm inputs and the deployment of more than 100 tractors across 7,324 hectares of farmland.
This initiative aims to cultivate rice, maize, and cassava by nearly 10,000 farmers in the state.
The grand flag-off ceremony took place in Adogo, Ajaokuta local government area, and was attended by a large gathering of farmers, stakeholders, and government officials.
The event marked the beginning of the 2024 wet season farming and showcased the state’s commitment to becoming the “Food Basket of the Nation.”
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of agriculture in the state’s economy and outlined his administration’s vision to enhance food security, increase local production, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
He highlighted Kogi State’s vast arable land and its historical success in cassava, cashew, rice, and yam production.
To support farmers, the government has invested in the procurement of tractors, fertilizers, herbicides, rice seedlings, maize seedlings, and cassava cuttings.
Additionally, the government has acquired MPK fertilizers and other essential farm inputs to ensure the success of the wet season farming initiative.
Governor Ododo’s commitment to transforming Kogi State into a hub for agricultural production and economic growth is evident in the strategic measures taken to support farmers and boost food production in the state.
This initiative not only aims to address poverty and hunger but also to position Kogi State as a key contributor to the nation’s economy.
In his address, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma said a total of 7,324 hectares of land in 79 farm clusters have been identified and delineated for the 2024 wet season special agricultural intervention programme across the 21 local government areas of the state.
He said the administration of administration of Governor Usman Ododo is on the saddle to end food shortages in the State, urging farmers to take advantage of the magnanimity of the government to not only end hunger in their homes and in the State but to come out of poverty.
“Our dear farmers are therefore encouraged to approach this programme with all sincerity of purpose to justify the investment by the State government, ” he noted.
Farmers in attendance expressed their optimism and gratitude for the governor’s initiatives. Many noted that the provision of quality inputs and financial support would significantly enhance their capacity to produce more and better-quality crops.
