The Alubarika Rice Farmers Cluster in Ogun State, led by Alhaji Bello Zabarmawa, has refuted claims that the Ogun State government hijacked their rice farming efforts. Zabarmawa clarified that the government has significantly supported the farmers, contributing to their success. He emphasized that the government provided tractors, fertilizers, herbicides, and other resources, paying 50% of the costs, while farmers covered the remaining 50%. Similarly, during harvesting, the government covered 65% of the costs for the harvesters.
Zabarmawa denied any claims of ownership over the 200 hectares of rice and stressed that the farming efforts are community-driven, with support from the government. Salam Adelowo, Chairman of the Alubarika Cluster Farmers, confirmed the government’s essential role in land preparation, planting, and harvesting. The service provider, Ajibola Johnson of Young Agro Service Enterprise, also confirmed that the government’s contributions were pivotal and threatened legal action against anyone spreading misinformation.
This cooperation between the government and the farmers has led to successful rice farming in the region, and plans are underway to expand the initiative to include more farmers and improve infrastructure.
