Ogun Govt inaugurates SAWAH Eco-Technology rice harvest to boost production
The Ogun Government in collaboration with the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) on Thursday inaugurated a mechanically cultivated rice harvest using the SAWAH Eco-Technology for Rice Farming (SERIF).
SAWAH Eco-Technology is a Japanese model for rice farming, which increases yield optimally through bunding and the use of inlet and outlet connecting irrigation and drainage.
It was reported that the Ogun Government and NCAM had established a technology-based demonstration farm in November 2020.
The aim is to train youths from the state on how to grow rice all the year round s eell as take advantage of natural resources such as swamps and streams.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun, represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina, performed the inauguration of the exercise at Sawonjo, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun.
He said that the exercise was a further demonstration of his administration’s resolve to promote rice value-chain in the state.
Abiodun assured the citizens that his government would continue to accord agriculture high premium.
He said that the state government in 2020 facilitated linkage for 3,721 rice farmers for funding opportunities and inputs.
“We affirm our resolve to fund climate smart agriculture to enable our farmers integrate technology with abundant natural resources, to grow crops all the year round, and also to defeat negative effects of climate change and hunger.
“It will also provide jobs and ensure that our host industries run well, thus key-in into the diversification agenda of the Federal Government, which is also a global direction in managing the dynamism of governance and economic integration,” he said.
Abiodun noted that this year would witness expanded opportunities in the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in rice and other commodities.
He said that the state was also finalising partnership with Kebbi and Lagos States on the expansion of their joint rice business.
Speaking, the National Coordinator of NCAM, Mr. Yinka Ademiluyi, said that the state government’s support had enabled NCAM to surpass other geo-political zones in Nigeria.
Ademiluyi expressed optimism that the farmers would realise maximum yields and profits based on the SAWAH technology adopted.
He added that it would enhance effective water control and management as well as improve efficiency of fertiliser.
The Chairman, Yewa-North Local Government, Mr Bankole David, lauded the state government for citing the demonstration farm in his domain, describing the governor as a man of his words.
He said that the state has enough arable land where food crops can be produced all the year round.
He, therefore, urged farmers and youths to concentrate on the scheme inorder to be productively engaged during every season of the year, promising availability of more lands for expansion of the programme.
Mrs Patricia Martins and Mr Akintola Jacob, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said that they had been more enlightened on how to plant better in every season of the year and also on how to make huge profits.
They thanked NCAM and the state government for the great opportunity given to them through thd exercise.
