Kogi allocates 30,000 hectares for farming
The Kogi State government has announced the allocation of 30,000 hectares of land for farming to boost food production and ensure year-round agricultural activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, disclosed this during an interview in Lokoja on Sunday.
Ojomah highlighted that the government had initially allocated 8,000 hectares in 2024 but increased the size to 30,000 hectares to enhance food security, citing last year’s positive results as a motivating factor.
“The result of last year is evident, given the records from the Bureau of Statistics,” Ojomah said. “The prices of food items have drastically reduced in the state compared to 2024. Kogi now ranks at the bottom of states with high food costs, a remarkable turnaround from its previous position at the top.”
The commissioner stated that over 60,000 requests for the 30,000 hectares had already been received, reflecting the enthusiasm and motivation of farmers in the state.
He also revealed plans to create Free Trade Zones and industrial setups for processing farm produce through agreements with Chinese companies and the World Bank.
“Governor Ahmed Ododo has further approved a three-month smart agriculture training for 50 youths, who will in turn train others to maximise the agricultural value chain.
“Efforts are underway to expand the Omi Dam for the cultivation of 4,000 hectares of rice to support the Alape Rice Mill. Additionally, a partnership with Silvex International will enable full mechanized and year-round rice farming in the area,” Ojomah said.
The commissioner lauded the governor’s commitment to food production, emphasising his vision of making Kogi a hub for agriculture.
