Introduction

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced a major agricultural intervention targeting 10000 rice and cassava farmers across the state. The initiative, unveiled at the 2026 World Food Day celebration, aims to boost local food production, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen the states contribution to national food security.

What Happened

The support package includes subsidised fertiliser and herbicides, improved planting materials, 10 new tractors, and 1200 Android phones pre-loaded with agricultural market and weather tools. Two thousand rice farmers will receive two bags of fertiliser and one bag of urea each, while 8000 cassava farmers will receive the same input bundles plus 25 bundles of cassava stems. Each rice farmer will also receive three litres of herbicide, and each cassava farmer 10 litres.

Additional components of the programme include the distribution of 39 tractors and four self-propelled harvesters to improve mechanisation, and the rollout of the Ogun State Farmer Information Management System, which has already captured more than 160000 farmers and value-chain actors since its launch in April 2023.

Why This Matters

With Ogun State possessing 1.2 million hectares of arable land, the intervention addresses critical gaps in input access, mechanisation, and market linkage. By covering 70 per cent of input costs through a partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the government ensures affordable access for farmers while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Android phones are designed to deliver real-time weather alerts, current market prices, and best-practice guidance, directly improving decision-making and yield outcomes.

The governor also highlighted the completion of 28 agricultural projects in two years, including solar dryers, warehouses, a 5000-bird-per-day poultry processing plant at Ajegunle Farm Settlement, and capacity-building training for 200 young farmers in soilless farming techniques. These investments are intended to create jobs, retain value within the states economy, and attract private sector participation across the agricultural value chain.

Key Takeaways

  • 10000 Ogun farmers receive subsidised fertiliser, herbicides, and improved planting materials.
  • 2000 rice farmers and 8000 cassava farmers are covered under the new support package.
  • Each rice farmer gets 3L of herbicide; each cassava farmer receives 10L.
  • 1200 Android phones with agricultural apps are distributed to improve market access and production decisions.
  • 10 tractors and additional mechanised equipment are allocated to farm settlements and associations.
  • Input costs are shared, with beneficiaries contributing 30 per cent and the state covering 70 per cent via IFAD partnership.
  • 28 agricultural projects completed in two years, including processing facilities and mechanisation upgrades.
  • Farmer Information Management System tracks over 160000 actors in the states agricultural ecosystem.

Conclusion

Governor Abioduns latest intervention signals a sustained commitment to transforming Ogun State into a technology-driven agricultural hub. By combining input subsidies, mechanisation, digital tools, and infrastructure investment, the administration aims to turn increased production into dependable income for farmers and strengthen Nigerias overall food security. Stakeholders say the success of this programme will depend on effective monitoring, continued private-sector partnership, and the expansion of such initiatives to reach even more value-chain actors across the state.