Ogun State Enters Rice-Producing Arena with Launch of 200-Hectare Plantation

Ogun State has officially joined the ranks of Nigeria’s rice-producing states with the recent flag-off of a 200-hectare rice plantation at Magboro Rice Farm in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area. This initiative, a key component of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), is supported by the World Bank and aims to drive economic growth and development within the state.

Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, who presided over the event, highlighted the significance of the project in advancing Ogun State’s agricultural capabilities. “With this flag-off, Ogun State is not only joining states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa in producing locally grown rice but is also fostering economic development, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods within our communities,” he said.

The rice farm, established through OGSTEP, is notable for its inclusive approach, involving primarily women and youth from across the country. Each of the 200 farmers involved in the project has been allocated one hectare of land. The farming cycle, which began with planting in May, has already reached the harvesting stage, demonstrating an efficient turnaround of just three months.

Governor Abiodun detailed the projected yield and economic impact of the project: “The farm has a seven metric ton yield per hectare, translating to 1,400 metric tons for 200 hectares with an efficiency yield of about 70 percent. This equals approximately 20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle, valued at about N1 billion. If we repeat this three times a year, the revenue could reach N3 billion.”

Abiodun further emphasized the potential for scaling up the project, revealing plans to expand the farm from 200 to 2,000 hectares. “From this expansion, we could generate N30 billion in revenue and make significant strides toward making Ogun State the food basket of the country,” he added.

The governor also aligned the project with the broader national agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to eradicate poverty and hunger through the provision of affordable food. In addition to increasing rice production, the project will also address animal husbandry.

The state’s agricultural policy is further supported by OGSTEP’s Agricultural Sector Intervention, which includes advanced agricultural techniques, quality seeds, modern irrigation systems, and technical training for farmers. Beneficiaries will receive these resources at a 65 percent discount on mechanization operations.

Governor Abiodun assured that the project will benefit from additional support, including solar pumps for boreholes and modern drones for pest control. “Our approach will ensure that the farm is well-equipped to meet its production goals and provide critical support to our farmers,” he said.

Hon. Bolu Owotomo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, affirmed that the project aligns with the administration’s goal of achieving food sufficiency. Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, commended the farmers for their dedication and noted the project’s role in bolstering local food production.

Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi, praised the initiative for its potential to positively impact various sectors and thanked the governor for his support.

In a goodwill message, the Olu of Magboro, Oba Modiu Alalade, acknowledged the project’s impact on local communities and expressed confidence in the town’s capacity to support additional farming efforts to ensure food security for the country.

As Ogun State embarks on this new chapter in agricultural development, the successful implementation of the 200-hectare rice plantation marks a significant step toward achieving greater self-sufficiency and economic growth within the region.