By Femi Ogbonnikan
Ogun State is on the march towards a large scale in rice production. All things being equal, the new initiative is projected to be another major income earner for the state government with no less than N30 billion as an addition to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
As they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. On Monday, August 19, 2024, in furtherance of the renewed commitment of his administration to boost food production in the state, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun flagged off the harvest of 200-hectare of rice plantation at Magboro Rice Farm in Obafemi Owode-Local Government Area of the state.
Of course, the state is not where it plans to be, but there is the will to achieve the target. The spirit behind the driving force is Governor Abiodun’s vision to revolutionise the traditional mode of farming to make it more productive.
Traditionally, Ogun State has a long history of rice production, especially the local brand popularly known as Ofada rice. It is so-called because it is exclusively grown in the town of Ofada. Due largely to its unique taste and nutritional value, it has gained popularity among Nigerians and lovers of Nigerian cuisine worldwide. Unlike imported rice, Ofada is a short-grain rice that is typically unpolished. It retains its outer bran layer, giving it a distinctive brown colour and special flavour. Beyond that, it is highly nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, large-scale production has been severely limited by the use of indigenous farming methods by smallholder farmers. This is despite the various policies initiated by successive governments to support these local farmers not only to promote food security but also to preserve the cultural heritage.
With the renewed support of the Abiodun’s administration, the state is now prospecting for more income from rice production. Already, Ogun State has joined the league of large-scale rice-producing states in the country. To set the record straight, the farm is the brainchild of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project supported by the World Bank. The initiative aligns with the policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boost agricultural productivity to provide affordable food to the growing populace.
In a way, the project can be aptly described as a game changer, as it aims to drive economic growth and development in the state. And this could not have come at a better time than now when the country is grappling with a food crisis. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Abiodun said that with the flag-off, Ogun State is not only joining states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa in producing locally grown rice for the consumption of the people, but also fostering economic development, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods within the communities.
With a sustainable increase in the level of production, the project is expected to generate N30 billion as income for the state government, while the individual farmers also smile to the bank. The Governor, exuding confidence with enthusiasm, had this to say: “This is a 200-hectare rice farm. The farmers are mainly women and youths from all parts of the country and not just from Ogun State alone.
“Each farmer was allocated one hectare of farmland. This means that we have 200 farmers in this cluster. This project started in April this year. They began planting in May, and today we are already harvesting, making it a three-month cycle. It means that we can do this three times a year.’
He noted that the farm, with a seven-metric ton yield per hectare, could translate to 1,400 metric tons for 200 hectares of milled rice with an efficiency yield of about 70 percent, which would also translate to about 20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle.
“20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle should be estimated to cost about N1 billion. So, these 200 farmers, made up of women and youths across the country who farm here in just three months, have a revenue of N1 billion. If they do this three times this year, they will earn N3 billion. We have no business being hungry in Nigeria.
“In this place, I have 12,500 hectares of land, and all we have farmed is 200 hectares that yielded N1 billion for 200 farmers. From here, I can feed the rest of the country. We will scale up this project immediately from 200 to 2,000 hectares.
“We can generate N30 billion in revenue. We can take significant steps towards realizing that vision of making Ogun State the food basket of this country,” he added.
The governor stated that the project is in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to eradicate poverty and hunger by providing affordable food to Nigerians. According to him, it will not only increase rice production but also address animal husbandry.
Governor Abiodun, noting the abundance of human and material natural resources in the state, stated that agriculture remained an important agenda of his administration to provide employment and raw materials for the numerous industries that abound in the state. He expressed optimism the OGSTEP Agricultural Sector Intervention would provide critical support, including advanced agricultural techniques, access to quality seeds, modern irrigation systems, and technical training for farmers. He explained that the approach was offered to beneficiaries at a 65 percent discount on the cost of each mechanization operation. While commending the people, especially members of the communities, for supporting the project, the governor promised that the farm would be provided with solar pumps to power the boreholes, as well as modern drones for effective pest control.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the project was in tandem with the agricultural policy of the Abiodun-led administration to ensure food sufficiency for the people.
Also, the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, while commending the farmers for their determination, noted that the project was part of the measures to boost food production to feed the populace.
The Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi, while appreciating the governor for providing the necessary support, said the project would produce high-quality rice which would impact positively the quality of lives of citizens in all sectors.
In his goodwill message, the Olu of Magboro, Oba Modiu Alalade, acknowledged the great impact the project had on the communities in the area, assuring of the availability of adequate farmland to accommodate more farmers to produce sufficient food for the country.
Interestingly, the flag-off of the harvest season coincides with the state’s approval of the reconstruction of the 8.17 kilometres Magboro-Makogi Road in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. Prince Abiodun announced on Monday during the event which took place in Igboko village.
The governor said the road would open up the area to more development. He further disclosed the intention of the state government to provide about 2,000 hectares for rice cultivation in the region.
“I am glad that today, I had the opportunity to drive on this road myself. I have seen the condition of the road; but beyond the condition, I have seen how densely populated this area is. I also appreciate the impact this road will have on our farmland.
“So today, I know that I am a promise-keeping governor. I only talk and do; I don’t talk without doing. I am going to immediately award the contract for the reconstruction of this road,” Governor Abiodun declared.
Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital
