Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has announced a significant investment of over N7 billion in farm implements to boost food security in the state. This declaration was made during the flag-off ceremony for the state’s wet-season farming.
In a statement released by Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, it was detailed that the state government has provided over 100 tractors to benefit approximately 10,000 farmers across the state’s 21 local government areas. Governor Ododo emphasized that 75 percent of the cleared farmland would be allocated to youth and women farmers to encourage their participation in agriculture.
“Across the 21 local government areas of the state, we are opening farmlands and preparing more land for the cultivation of crops like rice, maize, cassava, yam, and other staple food crops and grains,” the governor’s statement read. He further explained that the procurement of these farm implements aligns with the state’s agenda to ensure food security through full-scale agricultural mechanization.
Governor Ododo highlighted the increasing involvement of the youth and women in agriculture, attributing this trend to the state government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector. He also called on affluent Kogi indigenes, both locally and abroad, to explore opportunities within the agro-industry.
The tractors are expected to be used for cultivating 7,324 hectares of land across Kogi State, a move the governor believes is crucial for poverty eradication and enhancing the state’s agricultural output. Governor Ododo assured that under his leadership, Kogi State is poised to become a leading contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural production and economic development.
Source:
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/06/03/kogi-set-to-tackle-food-insecurity-presents-100-tractors-to-10000-farmers/
