The Kogi government says it has set aside 30,000 hectares of land for farming activities in the state to boost food production.

Timothy Ojomah, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Friday in Lokoja.

Mr Ojomah said the hectares of land would be allocated to farmers to ensure all-year-round farming activities.

He said the government had allocated 8,000 hectares in 2024 and decided to increase the size to 30,000 hectares to ensure massive food production and security.

The commissioner said, “The result of last year is obvious, given the records from the Bureau of Statistics; the prices of food items have reduced drastically in the state compared to what we experienced in 2024.

“We have already received more than 60,000 requests for the 30,000 hectares earmarked, which speaks about the enthusiasm and motivation of the farmers,” the commissioner said.

Mr Ojomah also disclosed that the state government had birthed a special concept of Free Trade Zones and signed agreements with some groups of Chinese companies and the World Bank to set up industries that could process its farm produce.

He also said that Governor Ahmed Ododo recently approved a three-month smart agriculture training programme for 50 youths from the state.

“When they return, they will equally train others to ensure that the state derived the desired benefits of the value chain in agriculture –  processing, packaging, and exporting of our products.

“As we speak, arrangements are being concluded to expand the Omi Dam for the production of 4,000 hectares of rice that can feed our rice mill (Alape Rice Mill), he said.

Mr Ojomah said Mr Ododo-led government was partnering with Silvex International to set up a large rice farm in the area.

The commissioner appreciated the governor’s foresight in developing the agricultural sector to enhance food production in the state.

(NAN)