On Friday, the Federal and Ogun State Governments collaborated with the International Fund for Agricultural Development Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) to empower farmers with Point of Sale (POS) machines and other agricultural inputs to support dry season farming.
The event, which took place in Abeokuta, consisted of three sections: the flag-off of dry season rice production input distribution, distribution of POS machines to farmers, and the inauguration of the commodity alliance forum under IFAD/VCDP.
Dr. Fatimah Aliyu, the National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, emphasized the importance of distributing inputs to smallholder farmers to address food security challenges. She highlighted Ogun State’s significant arable land and skilled rural farmers, stressing the necessity of empowering them to enhance food production.
Aliyu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to providing the right inputs to farmers to achieve best agricultural practices and boost food production. She emphasized the importance of the farmers’ commitment and advised them to make efficient use of the inputs provided.
Mr. Bolu Owotomo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, commended the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s dedication to farmers’ prosperity and the state’s overall development. He outlined the objectives of the programme, including distributing inputs for dry season rice production, providing POS machines, and inaugurating the State Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF).
Owotomo detailed the support farmers would receive, including fertilizers, rice seedlings, herbicides, and solar-powered water pumps. He highlighted the distribution of POS machines as a means of empowering young people in rural areas and deepening financial inclusion.
Mrs. Temitope Ajisafe, the acting State Programme Coordinator, explained the VCDP’s objective of enhancing sustainable incomes and food security for rural households engaged in rice and cassava production. She underscored the ongoing training on good agricultural practices and the significance of the CAF in fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Mr. Kamorudeen Shokunbi, Chairman of the newly-inaugurated CAF, along with other beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the governments for their support and pledged to maximize the use of the provided inputs to increase food supply. They also requested more modern agricultural equipment to further enhance farm productivity.
