The Ogun State Government has started an initiative that will boost the effort of the government to promote food security in the country. The initiative is a formal harvest for aquaculture farmers in some parts of the state, including Ilaro Zone. It is the belief of the government that the step will help reduce food prices in Nigeria.
The aquaculture harvest is supported by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), which has provided local fish farmers with crucial resources like fish feed.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, emphasised the government’s commitment to food security, stating, “This harvest is supported by the state government under the OGSTEP programme. The farmers received 72 bags of feed, with the state discounting 30 per cent of the cost.”
Owotomo highlighted that this support aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of making food more affordable and accessible to consumers.
The commissioner expressed optimism regarding the 350 fish farmers in the Ado-Odo/Otta Local Government Area, who have begun their harvest and are expected to help reduce market prices.
He said, “They have assured us that they will be selling their fish in the market below the current food price.”
The initiative is not limited to fishery, as the government gives support to other farmers with a purpose to increase supply to the market and reduce prices of food items.
The commissioner said further, “This programme supports all agricultural value chains, including rice, cassava, and livestock, and is designed to cut production costs, increase youth employment, and boost market supply.”
The OGSTEP Project Manager for the agricultural sector, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire, pointed out that the initiative is a structured approach, which organises farmers into clusters for better support.
Olugbire said, “We have over 350 ponds in this area and through OGSTEP, we link farmers with development firms that help them operate in groups rather than individually.
“These groups now have business plans and agreements with off-takers, securing a stable market for their produce”.
Olugbire shared that fish farmers received training, support, and discounted feed, with the government covering 30 per cent of input costs to create a sustainable system where farmers can thrive and contribute to the state’s food supply chain.
The event marking the start of the harvest included visits to the Ijako Fish Farm, Ewupe Isorosi Fish Farm, and Anisere Fish Farm in Otta.
