Determined to promote production and make it abundantly available, the Ogun State Government has reiterated its readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders in the planting of Ofada, a specie of rice peculiar to the State.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun stated this in Onidundu, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the State during her visit to a 45 hectare Ofada rice plantation, facilitated by the Agbeloba sub-sect of the State Chapter of Rice Farmers Association (RIFAN). Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu, the Commissioner stated that Ofada rice is more nutritious when compared with other imported brands and had become an acceptable food among Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora. Sokefun observed that if the dream of enhancing its production is achieved, the living standard of Ofada rice farmers would be improved as they would have more patronage, adding that government too would benefit because the huge money being spent to import other brands could be channelled to other rewarding ventures. The Commissioner gave the thumbs up for the sub-sect of the association for establishing the 45heactares plantation manually, saying “I must appreciate the efforts of the Agbeloba sub-sect of RIFAN, Ogun State Chapter in the establishment of such a large expanse of Ofada Rice plantation manually. I know it couldn’t have been easy and assure you of government’s readiness to support local farmers particularly those who have shown dogged determination like yourselves” Addressing challenges highlighted by the farmers, she stated that government had continued to encourage inter-ministerial collaboration to take care of such challenges to ensure that more dividends of democracy reach the grassroots, affirming that the State Government would continue to take advantage of all Federal Government packages for the development of agriculture. “Let me inform you that this government encourages inter-ministerial collaboration to find solutions to such issues that you have mentioned. Be assured that prompt steps would be taken to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies and parastatals saddled with the responsibilities of meeting these challenges” Sokefun revealed Earlier, Chairman of RIFAN in the State, Pastor Bode Adenekan disclosed that although only 45 hectares of land had been cultivated by the farmers manually, a land mass of 2,000 hectares was available in the area for rice cultivation, adding that it was suitable for planting lowland, mini upland and upland rice all year round. Calling on government to assist farmers through road rehabilitation and proper land preparation to allow for mechanised planting and harvesting, the RIFAN chairman enthused that with these done, more youths would be attracted to farming and government’s plan to ban rice importation would be achieved.
Via: Ogun State Government - Official Press Release