Over 30,000 farmers have been organized into clusters to enhance the production of rice, maize, cassava, and other crops, benefiting from subsidized inputs and ongoing training in best agricultural practices.

During a visit to the 200-hectare Alubarika rice farm cluster in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, announced that the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), in collaboration with IITA, has already registered 60,000 farmers, with a goal to include an additional 100,000 by year-end.

Hon. Owotomo emphasized the state government's commitment to supporting farmers with the necessary resources to boost food production and ensure food security. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the Alubarika farm, a key component of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), which is projected to yield 1,400 tonnes of rice. This initiative aligns with the government's objectives to enhance agricultural output.

"Many of the farmers in this cluster had previously been involved in small-scale planting, but with government support, their plots have been significantly expanded," he noted.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, encouraged farmers to leverage government interventions to enhance their productivity and improve their livelihoods.

Project Coordinator of OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odunsi, highlighted that the rice cultivation program is a multi-sectoral effort designed to elevate farmers' living standards and thanked the governor for providing essential resources.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, cluster Secretary Mr. Salam Adelowo praised the government's partnership and dedication to increasing rice production, while requesting improved social amenities on the farm.