Springfield Agro, a private company engaged in farm solutions, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art agrochemical plant in Ogun State. The form is valued at $12 million, and it is desgned to enhance agricultural productivity and tackle pest infestation. Narain Chanrai, chairman of Kewalram Chanrai Group, owners of Springfield Agro, stated, “We have invested so far $12 million in the plant. In phase two, there will be further expansions to meet Nigerian farmers’ growing demands and requirements.” Chanrai emphasised that the facility can produce about 20 million litres of herbicides and insecticides annually, which will help farmers tackle pest infestation. It is believed that this will help farmers to get agrochemicals easily, unlike what operates now, and also help eliminate counterfeit chemicals that have had negative effects on farm produce. The resultant effect is that efforts at achieving food security will be enhanced.
The launch aligns with the federal government’s agenda to combat hunger and improve national food security. Speaking at the launching, Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated the government’s plans to boost food production and support private sector initiatives like Springfield Agro’s. “The guarantee of food security in Nigeria lies in our ability to expand industrial capacity across the value chain. We cannot achieve this unless the robust committees we roll out as a government are complemented by the ambition and commitment of the private sector,” he stated.
Farmers can begin to celebrate, as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has verified the facility’s compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring the production of high-quality agrochemicals. “Our mandate extended to the regulation and oversight of agrochemical production, ensuring that facilities such as this meet the highest standards of good manufacturing practices,” said Rametu Momodu, director of Veterinary Medicines and Allied Products at NAFDAC.
Additionally, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, deputy governor of Ogun State, expressed the confidence that the facility will create over 300 jobs, primarily for indigenes, and help boost food security. According to her, agriculture is a critical component of economic development strategy in the state. She noted that by improving inputs, mechanization, and extension services, the state government has positioned Ogun to drive higher agricultural productivity, reduce the cost of stable foods, and achieve food security
