Ododo: We’ve invested over N7bn in farm implements to boost food security

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, says the state government has invested over N7 billion in farm implements to ensure that there is food security.

A statement issued Saturday by Ismaila Isah, special adviser on media to the governor, said Ododo spoke while flagging off this year’s wet season farming in the state.

Isah said Ododo presented over 100 tractors to serve about 10,000 farmers in different farming communities across the 21 LGAs in the state.

The governor also said 75 percent of the farmland cleared for cultivation in the state would be allocated to youth and women farmers.

“Across the 21 local government areas of the state, we are opening farmlands and preparing more land for cultivation of crops like rice, maize, cassava, yam, and other staple food crops and grains,” the statement reads.

“We have also procured farm implements for full-scale agricultural mechanization in line with our agenda to ensure food security in the state.

“Our youth are beginning to embrace agriculture as a credible source of wealth creation, and our women in agriculture are already on the field because of their belief in our commitment to transform the agricultural sector in the state.

“I call on wealthy Kogites at home and abroad to begin to explore the window of opportunities that abound in the agro-industry.”

Ododo said the tractors would be used to cultivate 7,324 hectares across the state, stressing that investment in agriculture is a critical step towards poverty eradication.

The governor assured that Kogi would become a leading state in agricultural production and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s economy under his watch.