OGSTEP begins distribution of irrigation equipment to 100 farmers group in Ogun

As part of efforts to support agricultural development, improve livelihood, and enhance food security, the Ogun State government through the State Economic Transformation Project, OGSTEP, has distributed water pumping machines and irrigation equipment to 100 farmers’ groups.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, said the water pumping machines and irrigation equipment was to support farmers across the four agricultural zones in the state to ensure all season farming.

According to him, the initiative’s goal was to boost crop yields and productivity, which would help ensure food security in the state and the nation as a whole.

Owotomo spoke on Wednesday at the flag off ceremony for the distribution of the machines to beneficiaries, at OGSTEP training room, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Owotomo stressed that the state government before now had made significant interventions in the affairs of farmers in capacity building for 40,000 farmers, registration of 160,000 farmers under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS),12,000 farmers shared into clusters, 65% discount on land clearing, construction across all the eight farm settlements in the state among others.

In addition to encouraging farmers to make the most efficient use of their machines, he called on them to reciprocate government gestures and OGSTEP by sharing their resources and imparting their knowledge to those who have not yet received theirs.

In her contribution, the Permanent Secretary Mrs Kehinde Jokotoye maintained that all government projects have a positive impact on the sector, advising farmers to put in extra effort to guarantee the state’s food security.

Additionally, Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, the Project Coordinator, stated that the state government was interested in the improvement of farmers since food security is still necessary for survival and that OGSTEP was one of the tools the government used to assist farmers.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Usman Adekanbi from Ipokia, and Mrs Tosin Ogunkola from Ijebu Ode applauded the State Government and OGSTEP for the provision, assuring that what they have gotten would be judiciously utilised.