Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has launched this year’s wet season farming in Kogi State with a significant boost for the agricultural sector.
In a ceremony held in Geregu, Ajaokuta local government area, the governor presented over 100 tractors to support approximately 10,000 farmers across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of investing in agriculture to combat poverty, highlighting that 75% of the newly cleared farmland will be allocated to youth and women farmers.
“Investment in agriculture is a critical step towards poverty eradication,” the governor stated, noting that more than 90% of Kogi’s land is arable.
The governor outlined plans to cultivate crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and yam on the newly prepared farmlands. “We are opening farmlands and preparing more land for cultivation of staple food crops and grains,” he said.
The initiative also includes the procurement of farm implements to support full-scale agricultural mechanization.
Governor Ododo encouraged wealthy individuals from Kogi to explore opportunities in the agro-industry, stressing the state’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector.
The state government has invested over 7 billion Naira in farm implements, with over 100 tractors set to cultivate 7,324 hectares by around 10,000 farmers this season.
The governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of agricultural initiatives, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure food security nationwide.
State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Timothy Ojoma, remarked that the launch of wet season farming across 79 farm clusters is a pivotal step in Governor Ododo’s agricultural transformation agenda for Kogi State.
