Ogun new 100-hectare Ofada rice farm to employ 1,200 farmers

Ronke Sokefun, Ogun State commissioner for agriculture, has disclosed that the newly-cleared 100 hectares Ofada rice farm located at Shagbon village, Eggua in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, will employ about 1,200 farmers through the provision of direct and indirect jobs.

Sokefun, who made the statement during an inspection visit to the project farmland, said the agriculture-based project would employ 200 main farmers and at least 1000 farm assistants, adding that apart from provision of employment, government would provide farming inputs such as rice seeds and fertilisers needed, and also buy back the produce after harvest.

“Government will not only be providing you land for the planting of the rice, but we will also be responsible for providing viable rice seeds and other inputs needed to ensure a bumper harvest,” she said.

She noted that the 100 hectares of land for the project was a veritable attempt by government to curb challenges facing farmers over land clearing, as the ministry had already begun the clearing and ploughing of the land, saying the efforts would enable farmers plant more, thereby enhance Ofada rice production, but added that the land would first be used for planting late maize and short- term Nerica rice to ensure optimal use.

Responding, Azeez Adeniji, a representative of the farmers, expressed the farmers’ appreciation for the farmland project, pledging hard work and commitment to ensure that the farmland succeeds as planned.

Also speaking, Onifade Oladehinde, a resident of Shagbon village, lauded government for making use of the land that had been acquired and lying fallow over three decades, but solicited the provision of potable water, accessible roads and medical staff for the location of clinic where farmers resident in the village will seek medical advice and attention.

By: RAZAQ AYINLA