The Lagos state government is set to launch the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme as part of its commitment to ensure food security, stabilizing food prices, and empowering farmers in the state.

Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, while addressing newsmen in Lagos said that the initiative will not only safeguard livelihoods but also reinforce Lagos State’s leadership in agricultural innovation and sustainability.

The initiative according to her is aimed at supporting agricultural production through a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish), tractorization services for crop production as well as distribution of bags of fertilizers.

She said that the agricultural sector, particularly livestock and aquaculture farming, has been under significant pressure due to the rising cost of production, stressing that the poultry and fish feed alone account for over 70 per cent of production costs, leading to reduced farm operations and, in some cases, closures.

Olusanya pointed out that this has not only affected farmers but has also contributed to food inflation and reduced access to essential protein sources such as eggs, chicken, and fish.

She said through the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme, the Lagos State Government seeks to provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25 per cent subsidy on poultry and fish feeds, sustain and improve production levels, ensuring a steady supply of poultry and fish products in the market.

The Commissioner also said that the programme aims to prevent further farm closures and mitigate food insecurity, strengthen the overall agricultural value chain in Lagos State by supporting farmers from production to market distribution.

This intervention, according to her, departs from past strategies where free input distribution led to diversion and inefficiencies, noting that instead, this subsidy model ensures accountability, proper targeting, and sustainable impact.

https://independent.ng/lagos-govt-to-empower-farmers-with-25-subsidy-on-feed-to-stabilise-food-prices/