Flagging off the harvest of 200 hectares of farmland at Magboro Rice Farm in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, marked a significant milestone on Monday.
The farm, a product of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project supported by the World Bank, is geared towards fostering economic growth and development within the state.
During the event, Abiodun emphasized that Ogun State’s venture into rice production aligns it with states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa, enhancing economic development, job creation, and livelihood improvement in communities.
He highlighted, “This 200-hectare rice farm involves mainly women and youth farmers from various parts of the country, not limited to Ogun State.”
Abiodun disclosed that the project, which kicked off in April this year with planting in May, is already harvesting after a three-month cycle, indicating the potential for three cycles annually.
With an expected yield of seven metric tons per hectare, the farm could yield about 1,400 metric tons of milled rice from 200 hectares, equivalent to around 20,000 bags per cycle with a 70% efficiency yield.
He calculated that the revenue from 20,000 bags per cycle would amount to approximately N1 billion, indicating a substantial earning potential for the participating farmers.
Abiodun further emphasized the scale-up potential of the project, envisioning an expansion from 200 to 2,000 hectares, projecting a revenue generation of up to N30 billion, aiming to position Ogun State as a key food supplier in the country.
Highlighting the poverty eradication agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the governor affirmed the agrarian focus of the project in enhancing food security and addressing animal husbandry.
He also reiterated the state’s commitment to leveraging its manpower and natural resources to drive agricultural initiatives, supporting local industries and providing employment opportunities.
The governor pledged further support for the farm, including the provision of solar pumps for boreholes and modern drones for pest control, underscoring the commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Speakers at the event, including Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Bolu Owotomo and Commissioner for Finance Dapo Okubadejo, commended the project for its alignment with the state’s agricultural policy and local food production objectives.
Project Coordinator Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi expressed optimism about the project’s potential to enhance rice quality and positively impact citizens’ lives across various sectors, acknowledging the governor’s vital support.
In a goodwill message, Olu of Magboro Oba Modiu Alalade hailed the project’s community impact, suggesting ample farmland availability to accommodate more farmers for increased local food production.