Kogi State Allocates 30,000 Hectares for Farming to Boost Food Production

Lokoja, Jan. 24, 2025 – The Kogi State Government has earmarked 30,000 hectares of land for farming activities to enhance food production and security in the state.

Kogi’s Commitment to Food Security and Agricultural Growth

In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Timothy Ojomah, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, revealed that the government had initially allocated 8,000 hectares of land for farming in 2024. However, the government has now significantly increased the allocation to 30,000 hectares to ensure year-round farming activities across the state.

Ojomah emphasized that the positive outcomes from the previous year were evident in the significant drop in food prices across Kogi. “Last year’s results speak for themselves,” Ojomah said. “The prices of food items have drastically reduced in Kogi, placing us at the bottom of the list of states with high food costs. Previously, we were at the top, but the increase in food production is changing the narrative.”

Massive Demand for Farmland

The Kogi government has already received more than 60,000 requests for the 30,000 hectares available, indicating the strong interest and enthusiasm from farmers in the state. Ojomah expressed optimism about the growing interest in farming and the government’s support in scaling up food production.

“This speaks volumes about the motivation of our farmers,” Ojomah stated. “More people are embracing farming, and they are looking forward to the government’s interventions to further improve food production.”

Strategic Partnerships for Value-Chain Development

In addition to land allocation, Ojomah disclosed that the Kogi government had launched a special concept of Free Trade Zones, in partnership with several Chinese companies and the World Bank, to set up industries focused on processing the state’s agricultural produce. These initiatives are designed to enhance agriculture’s value chain, including processing, packaging, and exporting farm products.

Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration has also approved a three-month smart agriculture training program for 50 youths from the state. After completing the program, these youths will train others, helping to build a strong foundation for agricultural growth and boosting the state’s food production capacity.

Focus on Rice Production and Mechanized Farming

Ojomah further shared that arrangements were being finalized to expand the Omi Dam, which will be used to irrigate 4,000 hectares of land for rice production. This expansion is expected to support the Alape Rice Mill, the state’s primary rice processing facility.

Additionally, the state government is collaborating with Silvex International, an experienced company in rice production, processing, and export, to establish a large-scale rice farm in the area. The project will bring mechanized farming and year-round rice production to the state.

Governor’s Vision for Agricultural Transformation

Ojomah commended Gov. Ododo’s foresight in prioritizing the agricultural sector, noting that the governor is committed to ensuring that Kogi State becomes a major player in food production in Nigeria.

“The governor has made it clear that Kogi will become a hub for food production,” Ojomah said. “We are focused on making Kogi a powerhouse in agricultural production to meet the needs of our state and beyond.”

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Reporting by Babatunde Akinsola in Lagos, Nigeria.