Farmers in Ogun State are set to cultivate rice all year round following the distribution of climate-resilient rice seeds under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
The State Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, disclosed this during a Field Day on a Climate-Resilient Rice Seed Demonstration Plot organised by the Irewunmi Farmers Association at Adeniyi Village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Jokotoye, stated that the rice being harvested was planted four months ago using climate-resilient seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals provided to farmers through the IFAD initiative.
She noted that the programme had supported 300 farmers across Ogun State that were grouped into clusters, accordingly, they expressed satisfaction with the yield recorded by the Irewunmi Farmers Association in Adeniyi Village.
She further disclosed that, with favourable weather conditions and adequate moisture, farmers can cultivate and harvest rice up to three times in a year. She added that beneficiaries would also be supported with solar-powered irrigation pumps during the dry season to ensure uninterrupted production.
The State Programme Coordinator commended the Ogun State Government and IFAD for the various interventions and assured farmers that they would be linked with reliable off-takers after harvest to enhance market access.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Irewunmi Farmers Association, Mr. Dayo Koleoso and Mrs. Sola Somorin appreciated the Government and IFAD, noting that the seeds and other farm inputs provided, improved their productivity. They also commended IFAD for the opportunity, which included capacity building and access to quality agricultural inputs.
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