In a bold move to strengthen food production and mitigate rising inflation, the Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to launch a ₦500 million subsidy program aimed at providing relief to poultry and fish farmers.
The initiative, known as the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, will offer a 25% discount on poultry and fish feed, ensuring affordability for farmers while enhancing food security in the state. The program is set to commence on February 5, 2025, and will be implemented as a month-long pilot initiative, with subsidies distributed weekly.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, announced the initiative during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, emphasizing that the subsidy program is part of the broader Produce-4-Lagos Initiative. This initiative focuses on boosting domestic food production while fostering partnerships with agricultural stakeholders across Nigeria.
Key Features of the Subsidy Program
- 25% Feed Cost Subsidy: The state government will subsidize poultry and fish feed costs to ease production expenses for farmers.
- Tractorization Services: Support for mechanized farming will be provided to enhance efficiency and yield.
- Fertilizer Distribution: Farmers in specific cluster formations will receive fertilizers to boost productivity.
The Lagos State Government has partnered with Olam and Animal Care, two major players in the agricultural sector to ensure efficient feed production and delivery. The distribution process will leverage a pre-order framework through designated farm cluster formations, a strategy designed to enhance transparency and ensure that only eligible farmers benefit from the subsidy.
Commissioner Olusanya highlighted the long-term vision of the program, stating:
“The overarching goal is to establish production agreements where a percentage of the farmers’ produce will be off-taken by fresh food hubs and sold to Lagosians at lower price points. This initiative will keep farms operational, sustain employment in the agricultural sector, and ultimately create a win-win situation for all stakeholders.”
The Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme underscores Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food affordability, and driving sustainable economic growth within Lagos State. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to position Lagos as a hub for agribusiness, reduce reliance on food imports, and stabilize food prices.
As the launch date approaches, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are expected to engage actively in the programme, leveraging the subsidy to boost food production and contribute to the state’s food security objectives.
