Lagos supports 10,000 farmers with inputs
The Lagos State Government has called on residents to embrace subsistence farming to promote self-sufficiency, job creation, and food security. This appeal was made by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, during the distribution of agricultural inputs to about 10,000 beneficiaries in Oko-Oba, Agege. The beneficiaries, including fishermen, poultry, piggery, and vegetable farmers, received farm inputs under the COVID-19 Action Recovery Scheme, a partnership between the federal and state governments and the World Bank.
The farmers are expected to supply produce to the state’s 25 per cent discount Sunday Market. Olusanya, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Audu, and Special Adviser, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, encouraged farmers to use the resources effectively.
Additionally, Lagos State Governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, announced the selection of 200 female first-time farmers for a nationwide competition, “Every Home A Garden,” organized by Senator Oluremi Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Initiative. The competition winner will receive N20 million. Dr. Ibijoke expressed the state’s commitment to ensuring the winner emerges from Lagos. Source- Punch
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The Lagos State Government’s push for subsistence farming, alongside the distribution of agricultural inputs under the COVID-19 Action Recovery Scheme, has the potential to revitalize the entire agri-food value chain. Empowering 10,000 farmers with resources will boost productivity across fisheries, poultry, piggery, and vegetable sectors, stimulating local food supply and reducing dependence on imports. With farmers contributing to the state’s discounted Sunday Market, urban food accessibility is expected to improve, supporting food security.
This initiative also catalyzes job creation and economic diversification, providing livelihood opportunities in agriculture and related industries. The inclusion of female first-time farmers in the “Every Home A Garden” competition further promotes inclusivity and innovation, potentially inspiring a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs.
From an expert perspective, fostering subsistence farming at scale strengthens local markets, stabilizes food prices, and encourages investment in rural development. For policymakers, it’s a blueprint for scaling such models across other regions to achieve food sovereignty.
